Tourism Breaking News
In a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship in Oman’s tourism sector, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) is launching the first edition of its Hackathon, taking place currently until 21 December 2024, the event brought together developers, designers, and young entrepreneurs to develop creative solutions addressing challenges in the tourism sector and other key areas, including energy, environment, logistics and other sectors. The hackathon will be held in strategic partnership with the Oman Across Ages Museum and Al Dakhliya Governorate. It will also collaborate with several Oman Investment Authority entities and be executed by Al Jabr, a regional leader in startup development and institutional innovation in the MENA region.
The OMRAN Hackathon serves as a dynamic platform for technological and creative talent to collaborate in a competitive environment, crafting innovative ideas in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, health, and environmental sustainability. Participants will work to transform these ideas into prototypes or actionable projects.
The event launch will be celebrated on the 14th of December at the Oman Across Ages Museum. This will be followed by an innovation sprint at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar on 19 and 20 December, featuring two days of intensive brainstorming and mentorship. The Hackathon concludes with a ceremony on 21 December, also at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort, where teams will present their final projects to a panel of esteemed judges and compete for recognition and prizes.
Developers, designers, university students specialising in technology, tourism, and business, as well as entrepreneurs from the tourism and technology sectors, are encouraged to participate. Out of over 100 registered teams, only 30 will be selected, ensuring a showcase of the brightest emerging talent.
Commenting on the launch of the OMRAN Hackathon, Kawthar Said Al Amrani, Research, Development & Innovation Lead at OMRAN Group said: “We are thrilled to launch the First edition of the OMRAN Hackathon, which reflects our dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the tourism sector. Through this initiative, we aim to empower local talent to establish SMEs that will be able to provide sustainable solutions that will boost the competitiveness of Oman’s tourism sector.”
Mohammed Salim Al Wahibi, CEO of Al Jabr MENA also expressed pride in launching the HACKATHON, highlighting the significance of such initiatives in promoting innovation and achieving sustainability. He stated: “At Aljabr MENA, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurship and developing national talent by providing a nurturing environment for creativity. This enables young individuals to craft innovative solutions, and in this particular HACKATHON, to enhance the tourism sector and drive sustainable development in Oman. The OMRAN Hackathon aims to turn challenges into opportunities and reflects our vision of delivering added value to our national economy.”
The Hackathon’s collaborative workshops and mentorship sessions will provide participants with the tools to refine their ideas and turn them into practical solutions. Teams will present their final projects to a panel of judges comprising prominent industry leaders and government officials, ensuring a rigorous and rewarding evaluation process.
