Arab Youth Hackathon 2026

The Arab Youth Hackathon 2026 is a regional innovation competition for young innovators, university students, and early-stage entrepreneurs across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to develop business solutions addressing climate change, sustainability and environmental challenges. The programme is organised through national hackathons in selected MENA countries and culminates in a regional finale in Dubai. Winning teams receive grant funding and startup incubation and participants receive mentorship, business development support, and networking opportunities. National winners qualify to present at the regional final where top teams receive financial awards and incubation support.

Grant funding for top teams (up to $30,000 for first prize), one month of online startup incubation, mentorship, business development support, networking opportunities, and chance to compete at the regional finale in Dubai.

The programme is open to young innovators from participating countries, including university students, early-stage entrepreneurs, and teams developing new or early-stage business ideas addressing environmental or sustainability challenges. Applications must be submitted by teams of two to three members with at least one member aged over 21.

Teams submit an application for their national hackathon before the country deadline; selected teams are notified by email, participate in a three-day national hackathon with mentorship, and national winners advance to the regional finale in Dubai.