Students
High school students at any school in the UAE, from any curriculum, nationality or emirate.
No. Entry is free.
No. Coding experience isn't required, but it is strongly recommended. No AI experience is needed: on day one we show every team how to build with AI using APIs and open-source tools.
Typically 2–5 students. The exact team size for 2027 will be confirmed when registration opens. Teams usually represent one school.
Yes. APIs and existing AI tools are encouraged. Credit what you use and be ready to explain your whole project. See the Code of Conduct.
In 2025: AED 40,000+ in prizes, with awards for winners, runners-up, 3rd place, Best Female-Majority Team and Best Emirati-Majority Team. Trophies are presented by the National Program for Coders.
The event
Dates: to be announced. Finals: Dubai, UAE. Join the list to hear first.
Day 1 (online): kick-off, prompt reveal and AI guidance. Day 2 (online): build and submit. Day 3 (in person): present to judges, then the awards ceremony.
The prompt is revealed on day one so every team starts equal. 2025's theme was Mental Health & Wellbeing.
A panel from industry, government and academia scores impact, use of AI, technical execution, creativity and presentation.
A laptop with internet for the online days. For the finals, bring your laptop, charger and school ID. Full instructions are emailed to teams.
Parents & schools
Yes. The in-person final is held at a professional venue with organisers and a safeguarding lead present throughout. See our safeguarding policy.
Encourage teams to register, nominate a teacher contact, or host a prep session. Email us for a schools pack.
An organising team of students, in collaboration with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office and the National Program for Coders. Meet the team.