Hadatha Cybersecurity Hackathon Launches in Oman with 49 Innovators
The Hadatha Cybersecurity Hackathon launched today in the Sultanate of Oman, organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, represented by the National Center for Information Security, in collaboration with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat. The hackathon features 49 innovators selected from 165 applicants, forming 14 teams competing to develop advanced technological solutions to address cybersecurity challenges.
A Competitive Environment
Eng. Badar bin Ali Al Salehi, Director General of Oman National CERT, stated that “Hadatha Hackathon is part of the Sultanate’s efforts to strengthen its position as a regional hub for cybersecurity and technological innovation. By supporting young talents and fostering a competitive environment, the event contributes to developing practical solutions for growing digital challenges, advancing the cybersecurity sector, and building a secure and sustainable digital economy. This, in turn, helps protect national infrastructure and enhance digital security at both local and international levels.”
About the Hackathon
He further explained that participants will engage in a continuous 48-hour challenge, working in an interactive environment with guidance and support from cybersecurity experts and advisors. The challenge focuses on four main areas: artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, securing advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain, countering cyberattacks, and raising cybersecurity awareness.
Fostering Innovation
Dr. Khalid bin Salim Al Abri, Deputy Assistant President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat, emphasized that this event marks the launch of the Hadatha Lab following its inauguration in October 2024. He highlighted that enhancing skills and innovations in cybersecurity is a national priority to keep pace with rapid digital advancements.
Hadatha Lab
Dr. Al Abri noted that the university, through Hadatha Lab, aims to empower young minds and support them in developing innovative technological solutions to address cybersecurity challenges. He stressed that such events help participants refine their skills and boost their ability to innovate in a field that is crucial in today’s digital era.
An Interactive Platform
He also pointed out that the hackathon is not just a technical competition but an interactive platform that brings together top innovators to exchange ideas and develop effective cybersecurity solutions. He affirmed the university’s confidence that participants’ contributions will add significant value to Oman’s digital transformation journey.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al Abri expressed appreciation for the organizing entities and participants, wishing them a challenging and creative experience. He emphasized that such initiatives reflect the university’s vision in supporting research and development while fostering an innovative environment in modern technology fields.
Winning Teams
On the final day of the hackathon, participating teams will present their projects to a specialized judging panel. Ideas will be evaluated based on strict criteria, including innovation, creativity, feasibility, and their potential impact on strengthening the cybersecurity industry.
Winning teams will have the opportunity to further develop their projects and be hosted at Hadatha Lab, transforming their ideas into practical technological solutions that contribute to the cybersecurity sector in Oman and the wider Arab region.