Sharjah Invites Young Innovators to Transform Tourism with New Hackathon, Here’s All You Need to Know

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) partnered with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and launched Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon 2025. This Hackathon served as the 2025 Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum (SITTF) pre-activities. The Forum’s theme is “Innovative & Sustainable Solutions in Technology for the Future of Tourism” and promotes the use of innovative technologies in sustainable tourism. It runs from November 1-2, 2025, at the AUS Main Building. This Hackathon aims at channeling the innovation, creativity, and collaboration starts within the tourism sector.

In total, 500 students from 29 UAE universities participated, with 80 finalists from 11 universities proposing industry-ready smart sustainable tourism solutions. This is in line with Sharjah’s vision of becoming a global tourism hub and empowering young people with ideas that will transform the industry.

Empowering Young Innovators: Tourism Solutions of Tomorrow

Over two days, teams of students tackled complex briefs related to sustainable tourism, innovation, and smart city technologies. The hackathon provided participants with an opportunity to move from problem definition to deployable solutions, including working prototypes, application designs, data-driven insights, and video pitches. These solutions aimed to address key issues within Sharjah’s tourism landscape and beyond, using technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to improve the travel experience for visitors and businesses alike.

The judging panel, consisting of both academic and industry leaders, evaluated the final submissions based on their clarity, practicality, relevance to Sharjah’s tourism needs, scalability, and innovative use of technology. This hands-on, real-world approach allowed students to apply their academic knowledge in a meaningful way, and many of their ideas are expected to have a tangible impact on the future of tourism in Sharjah and the broader UAE.

First Place Winner: Gamified Tourism Experience with ‘Sharjah Quest’

The first-place prize went to the team “Hayyakum” from AUS, who created “Sharjah Quest,” an augmented reality-powered mobile adventure designed to engage visitors and encourage them to explore Sharjah’s cultural and historical sites. The app allows tourists to collect digital stamps, unlock mascots, and follow curated itineraries that guide them to local landmarks and businesses.

The team, comprising Mahmoud Darwish, Amr Mohi Aldeen, Mohamad Dabbagh, and Afif Zughayer, designed the app with a focus on inclusivity and local engagement. The game-based model spreads foot traffic, increases the time tourists spend in local areas, and provides real-time guidance to encourage visits to smaller neighborhood businesses. The system’s goal is to support the UAE’s Vision 2031 by integrating culture and sustainability into tourism.

“The beauty of Sharjah Quest lies in its ability to turn the city into an interactive game, creating an experience where every stop is a story, and every visit creates value,” said team member Mahmoud Darwish. This innovative approach not only enhances the tourist experience but also contributes to the local economy by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the area.

Second Place Winner: Coral Reef Health Monitoring System

The second-place award was claimed by team “Nomad,” consisting of Rana Gharaibeh, Halla Daas, Osama Ali, and Moustafa Mughrabi, who presented a pioneering solution for coral reef preservation. Their project involves using underwater vibrations to monitor and maintain the health of Sharjah’s coral reefs, positioning the emirate as a sustainable and eco-friendly tourism destination.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with environmental conservation, the project aims to protect Sharjah’s marine life while enhancing the region’s tourism appeal. With marine tourism becoming increasingly popular, this initiative ensures that visitors can experience Sharjah’s vibrant oceans while contributing to their preservation. The team’s efforts to highlight Sharjah’s commitment to sustainable tourism made their project a standout solution for the future of coastal tourism.

Third Place Winner: Unified Accessibility Platform for All Travelers

Team “Trail/s” from Ajman University, including Jon Zaccary Regala, Nouran Talal, Samia Bayoumi, and Maryam Al Shanqiti, won third place with their concept for a unified accessibility platform aimed at improving travel experiences for people with disabilities. The platform integrates tourism, law, and biomedical innovation to provide accessible travel recommendations, virtual tour guides, and support for assistive technologies.

The platform’s goal is to ensure that all travelers, regardless of ability, can explore the UAE with confidence and comfort. With the increasing importance of accessible tourism, this project reflects the growing need for destinations to cater to a diverse range of travelers. The team’s solution promises to make Sharjah a more inclusive and accessible destination for all visitors, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly and accessible tourism hub.

Fostering Collaboration: Engaging with Industry Experts and Mentors

The Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon was not only a competition but also an opportunity for students to engage with mentors and industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into the tourism and hospitality sectors. Participants had the chance to collaborate with experienced professionals, enhancing their understanding of real-world challenges and how to apply innovative solutions to solve them.

Dr. Salah Brahimi, Vice Chancellor for External Relations at AUS, emphasized the importance of connecting student innovation directly with Sharjah’s tourism priorities. The collaboration between the SCTDA, AUS, and mentors from various industries allowed the hackathon to become a significant platform for knowledge exchange and the development of practical solutions that can be implemented in the tourism sector.

Sharjah’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism and Innovation

The hackathon highlighted the SCTDA’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability within Sharjah’s tourism industry. By engaging young minds in solving real-world tourism challenges, the SCTDA is helping to build a more resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking tourism ecosystem in Sharjah. The initiatives developed through this hackathon will contribute to the long-term growth of the city’s tourism sector, ensuring that it remains competitive on the global stage.

The Future of Tourism in Sharjah: A Vision for Growth

Looking ahead, Sharjah continues to invest in innovation and tourism development, positioning itself as a leading destination in the UAE. The successful launch of the Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon marks just one step in the city’s ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and promote sustainable, high-quality travel experiences. The ideas generated during the hackathon, from gamified tourism apps to eco-friendly initiatives, provide a glimpse into the future of travel in Sharjah, a city where culture, sustainability, and technology intersect.

With initiatives like the Tourism Innovation Hackathon, Sharjah is strengthening its position as a global tourism hub, attracting visitors from around the world who seek unique, meaningful, and sustainable travel experiences. As the tourism sector continues to evolve, Sharjah is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that the future of tourism in the city is both inclusive and sustainable.

Shaping the Future of Tourism in Sharjah

The 2025 Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon displayed young creativity and Sharjah’s innovative tourism development perspective. The winners’ projects, from gamified experiences to coral reef monitoring, illustrate the range and vitality of the city’s tourism goals. Sharjah is innovating and expanding its tourism facilities and is being positioned as a prime example of sustainable and inclusive tourism in the UAE and globally.

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