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DXB Hackathon 2026 · Participants

Event essentials.

Everything you need for the three days: when to arrive, where to go, what to bring and who to call.

Dates
13 to 15 November 2026Friday to Sunday
Venue
Dubai Airports Learning & Development CentreLaunchpad, First Floor
Dress code
Smart casualComfortable for long days
Open in Google Maps
01 / Agenda

Three days, one flight plan.

Day 1 · Friday
13November
2:30 PM
Arrival and check-inFollow the Hackathon signage to Launchpad on Level 1.
3:00 PM
Induction and challenge briefingAn overview of DA Technology, its products and services, then the challenge briefing.
After briefing
Team kick-off: Ideate and CreateTeams start developing their ideas together.
9:00 PM
Day 1 closes
Day 2 · Saturday
14November
9:00 AM
Develop and RefineA full build day. Complete and finalise your solution with support from mentors and technical SMEs.
6:00 PM
Technology Panel PitchesAll teams present to the Dubai Airports Technology judging panel. Six teams are shortlisted for the final.
9:00 PM
Day 2 closes
Day 3 · Sunday
15November
9:00 AM
Final rehearsal and code freezeShortlisted teams practise their presentations. Solutions are locked: no further changes.
12:00 PM
C-Level FinalsThe six finalists present to the C-level judging panel.
12:30 PM
RecognitionTeams not shortlisted are invited to receive their recognition.
By 3:00 PM
Awards ceremony and closeWinners announced and awards presented.

All times GST (UTC+4). Timings may shift slightly on the day; the Hackathon team will keep you updated.

Please plan to attend the full programme across all three days.
02 / What to expect

Collaborate. Build. Pitch.

Three days of collaboration, solution development, mentoring and pitching. Teams will develop and test their ideas with support from Dubai Airports mentors and technical SMEs.

Saturday
All teams present
Every team pitches its solution to the judges.
Sunday
Final judging
Six shortlisted teams go through to the final.
Sunday 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Recognition
Teams not shortlisted are invited to receive their recognition.
03 / Before you come

Pack and prepare.

What to bring

  • Your laptop and charger
  • Any personal technology you need to develop your solution
  • Your team and challenge access details
  • Wi-Fi access will be provided throughout the Hackathon

Get prepared

  • Review your selected challenge and supporting materials.
  • Familiarise yourself with the problem space.
  • Do some general research into the relevant airport or business operations.
04 / On the day

Getting there and getting settled.

Getting there and parking

Follow the Hackathon signage from the car park to Launchpad on Level 1.

Complimentary parking is available. Keep your parking ticket with you and have it validated at Launchpad reception no earlier than 15 minutes before you leave.

Food, refreshments and facilities

  • Food and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
  • Male and female prayer rooms and restrooms are available at Launchpad.

Photography and videography

Photography and videography will take place throughout the Hackathon. If you are not comfortable being photographed or filmed, please let a member of the event team know when you arrive.

Important reminders

  • Please attend the full three-day programme.
  • Keep challenge materials, passwords, API keys and credentials secure.
  • Completed work will be submitted via the secure link provided to teams.
  • Follow event guidelines and instructions from the Hackathon team throughout the three days.
05 / Need help?

We are here for you.

Questions or support during the Hackathon
Contact the event coordinator

Any member of the Hackathon team on site can put you in touch.