Registration Closes on September 2025
Venue: Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai, UAE
Date: 12 October 2025
Challenge in 7 Years
Graduation Projects
High School projects
Startups
Schools
Participants
Training hours
Emirates
Partners
Universities
What is the
What is the UAE AI & IoT Challenge?
The UAE AI & IoT Challenge is a national capacity-building and pre-incubation program designed to inspire, train, and empower students from high schools and universities to develop innovative solutions in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and emerging technologies.
Built on a 10-year regional legacy, the Challenge creates a unified transforming movement across all Emirates, connecting schools and universities with national priorities, and preparing UAE youth with the future skills needed to support the country’s digital and economic vision.
The program strengthens the national talent pipeline, supports Emiratization, and positions the UAE as a regional leader in AI and DeepTech innovation.
CHALLENGE CATEGORIES
Smart-Manufacturing
Smart-Transportation
Sports Tech
Smart Homes
Smart Cities
Smart Buildings
Smart Agriculture
Retail & ECommerce
Healthcare
FinTech
Energy
Education
CHALLENGE TRACKS
Graduation Projects
High School Projects
Startups
Challenge Benefits
Build real-world AI and IoT solutions using emerging technologies and development kits.
Hands-On AI & IoT Experience
Access 1:1 guidance from industry professionals, technical mentors, and business advisors
Mentorship from Experts
Learn ideation, validation, prototyping, and pitching within a structured innovation journey.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Skills
Top teams gain opportunities to showcase projects at major platforms such as GITEX North Star.
National & Global Exposure
Develop future-ready skills aligned with the UAE’s digital economy and AI strategy.
Career & Future Readiness
High-potential projects can evolve into startups or graduation projects.
Pathway to Startups & Incubation
2026 Challenge Timeline
Success Stories
Doctor Robot
An AI and robotics solution for diagnostics, patient monitoring, and treatment assistance, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and reducing workload on medical staff.
Emirates Science Club
(2024 – 1st Place, High School Track – Arab AI & IoT Challenge)
Pathtech VR
A VR-based AI & IoT solution designed to enhance learning experiences for autistic students and break educational barriers.
University of Dubai
(2024 – 1st Place, University Track – Arab AI & IoT Challenge)
Talysis Education
An education-focused startup delivering AI-powered solutions to improve learning outcomes and educational systems
(2022 – 1st Place, Startups Track)
You Can Now View the Official Challenge Photos!
FAQs
Q: What is the UAE AI & IoT Challenge?
A:The UAE AI & IoT Challenge is a national competition that empowers students and innovators to develop real-world solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). It focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical applications aligned with the UAE’s future vision.
Q: Who can participate in the challenge?
A: The challenge is open to:
- University students
- High school students
- Startups
Q: Do participants need prior experience in AI or IoT?
A: No. Beginners are welcome. The challenge includes bootcamps and mentorship sessions to help participants build their technical and entrepreneurial skills.
Q: Can participants join as individuals or only as teams?
A: Participation is usually team-based.
Q: What kind of projects are accepted?
A: Projects should:
- Use AI, IoT, or both
- Solve real-world problems (e.g., Smart Cities, Healthcare, Sustainability, Education, Safety, Finance, etc.)
- Demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and social or economic impact
Q: How do I register?
A: Registration is done through the official registration link announced on the challenge’s channels. Participants must fill in their team and project details before the deadline.
Q: What is the maximum number of members allowed in a team?
A: The maximum number of members allowed in a team is five
Q: What support do participants receive?
A : Participants receive:
- Technical and business mentorship
- Training bootcamps and workshops
- Pitching and presentation coaching
- Access to experts from industry and academia
Q: What are the prizes and benefits?
A: Benefits may include:
- Certificates and trophies
- Exposure to investors and industry leaders
- Opportunity to represent the UAE in regional or international events
Q: Will there be training before the competition?
A: Yes. A bootcamp is usually organized.
Q: What language should projects and presentations be in?
A: Most presentations and submissions are in English, but some supporting materials may be accepted in Arabic, depending on the track.
Q: Will participation be online or onsite?
A: It can be: Fully online
Q: How can we stay updated?
A: Follow the official channels: ‘’Social media pages – Email newsletters’’
Q: Does it cost anything to participate?
A : There is no cost to participate in the UAE AI & IoT Challenge.
Partners & Sponsors
Organizing Partners
