Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy launches 'App Olympics’

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy launches 'App Olympics’ to encourage innovative ideas and develop the Emirate’s digital ecosystem

• Saeed Al Gharqawi: „By fostering tomorrow’s digital talent, the competition will play a key role in bringing to life Smart Leadership’s vision for the digital economy and contribute to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”
• Launched as part of the 'Create Apps in Dubai’ initiative, the competition is open to UAE nationals and residents of all ages from any emirate and global tech startups interested in establishing a presence in Dubai.
• Participants will benefit from expert support and a structured learning journey into the world of app development, culminating in an exciting awards ceremony during Dubai Innovation Month in February 2024.

Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of three chambers under Dubai Chambers, has launched App Olympics, a new competition designed to accelerate Dubai’s journey as the mobile app development capital of the world. The initiative was announced on the opening day of Expand North Star, the world’s largest gathering of startups and investors, to be held at Dubai Harbor from October 15 – 18, 2023.

The App Olympics was launched as part of the 'Build Apps in Dubai’ initiative announced in March by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Governing Council. Overseen by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and supported by government agencies and leading technology companies, 'Create Apps in Dubai’ has created a series of initiatives aimed at further strengthening the emirate’s position as a global leader in the digital domain.

Commenting on the launch, Saeed Al Gerqawi, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said: “The App Olympics is another important step in building the skills of talented app developers who will help shape Dubai’s ambitious future. By promoting tomorrow’s digital talent, the competition will play a key role in bringing to life the vision of smart leadership for the digital economy and contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

Open to UAE citizens and residents of all ages and global tech startups interested in establishing a presence in Dubai, the competition enables participants to compete for major prizes and awards in app development, mobile app development and acceleration. Business development.

The multi-stage challenge encourages aspiring digital entrepreneurs to submit their mobile app development ideas and receive expert support during their structured learning journey into the world of app development, culminating in an exciting awards ceremony during Dubai Innovation Month in February. 2024.

Each finalist will have the opportunity to pitch their application through a one-minute promotional video, followed by a four-minute pitch presentation. The panel of judges will consist of leading experts from banking, venture capital, government institutions and private sector. Each project submitted will be evaluated and the best performers will be selected to compete in the January qualifying round.

The competition enables participants to benefit from complimentary access to a tailored suite of mobile app development training modules and compete for a chance to develop a fully funded app. Competitors will receive guidance from industry experts and access to prototyping tools to facilitate development of their product. In addition, the competition provides opportunities to attend exclusive events and network with potential investors.

Led by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, 'Create Apps in Dubai’ seeks to train 1,000 Emiratis through its 'Emirati Training Academy’ on the fundamentals of coding, mobile app development and building business models. The initiative aims to triple the number of app developers in Dubai by 2025 and will support 100 new national programs for the development of cutting-edge apps available on digital app stores over the next two years.

Organized by the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) as part of GITEX Global and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Expand North Star takes place at Dubai Harbor from October 15-18. The event is set to attract 1,800 startup exhibitors from more than 100 countries, together with around 1,000 investors with a total of US$1 trillion under management. This year’s showcase will be in a waterfront location across nine exhibition halls and will offer opportunities to hear from guest speakers from award-winning startups.

To participate in the App Olympics, visit:createapps.ae/en/programs/appolympics-competition