ALIBABA CLOUD
UAE AI HACKATHON 2025

3 - 4 September 2025 United Arab Emirates

Hackathon Overview
Hackathon Overview


The Alibaba Cloud UAE AI Hackathon 2025 brings university students from diverse backgrounds across the UAE to solve real-world industry challenges. Participants will use AI to create impactful, scalable solutions and gain experience with cutting-edge technology.



The UAE has long embraced digitalization and emerging tech, establishing itself as a global innovation hub. This hackathon aligns with the UAE's tech-forward culture. Alibaba Cloud is excited to support participants with top cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and expertise. We aim to inspire students to innovate, problem-solve, and bring their ideas to life.



Whether you're a developer, AI enthusiast, or tech visionary, this is your chance to showcase your skills, network with industry leaders, and make a real impact!


Date: 3-4 September 2025    Onsite Hackathon Location: University of Birmingham Dubai, United Arab Emirates



Innovate
Bring your ideas to life using Alibaba Cloud's latest AI tools, and gain hands-on experience from industry experts.
Network and Collaborate
Connect with top professionals, mentors, and fellow participants to enhance your projects and career opportunities.
Build and Win
Build your solutions, win exciting prizes, and gain recognition for your innovative contributions to build AI Solution.

Prizes and Benefits

Final winners will be awarded cash prizes, a trip to the Apsara Conference in China, and Alibaba Cloud Credits.

1st Prize: 1 Team
$3,000 USD Cash Prize(Pre-Tax)
$2,000 USD Alibaba Cloud Credits
Trophy and Certificate
GITEX 4-day Pass
Opportunity to participate Apsara Conference in China Hangzhou
Special Souvenirs & Global Exposure
2nd Prize: 2 Teams
$2,000 USD Cash Prize(Pre-Tax)
$1,000 USD Alibaba Cloud Credits
Trophy and Certificate
GITEX 4-day Pass
Special Souvenirs & Global Exposure
3rd Prize: 3 Teams
$1,000 USD Cash Prize(Pre-Tax)
$500 USD Alibaba Cloud Credits
Trophy and Certificate
GITEX 4-day Pass
Special Souvenirs & Global Exposure

Schedule for Participants

  • 23 Jul - 15 Aug
    Online Registration
  • 27 - 28 Aug
    Online Hackathon Training
  • 3 - 4 Sep
    Onsite Coding & Hacking
  • 16 Oct
    Award Ceremony

How to Join?

Please follow the steps below to register for the hackathon.

Create an Alibaba Cloud Account

A valid Alibaba Cloud account is required to activate required Alibaba Cloud products, and to receive Alibaba Cloud credits for the hackathon.

Register for the Hackathon

Follow the step to finish the registration for hackathon.

Online Training

Participate the online training to get the basic knowledge of Alibaba Cloud and be well-prepared for on-site coding.

On-site Coding & Presentation

Participate in the on-site coding as a team and complete your project submission. Team presentation will be on the second day of the hackathon, and the top three winners will be selected accordingly.

Enrollment Rules:
  • Participants must create an Alibaba Cloud account to register for the hackathon. Please ensure that you register for the hackathon using the Alibaba Cloud account that you plan to use during the event. Closer to the hackathon date, you will receive Alibaba Cloud credits associated with the account used for registration.
  • Contestants can compete individually or in teams of up to 4 members. The cash prize will be transferred to one representative from each winning team.
  • To qualify, submissions must utilize the required Alibaba Cloud AI services and be deployed on Alibaba Cloud. Any violation of the rules may result in disqualification.

Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria
All the projects submitted will be reviewed by judges on-site with the criteria below.

Technical Implementation

    It evaluates the technical excellence of the solution, with a special emphasis on AI integration, and the quality and efficiency of the AI implementation. The use of AI should enhance the solution's capabilities, demonstrating innovation and effective problem-solving. The assessment will look for robustness, scalability, and adherence to AI best practices.

Feasibility of Solution

    This criterion evaluates the practicality and integration of the solution within RTA’s operational framework in Dubai. It examines how well the solution aligns with existing systems and processes, its ease of implementation, and its ability to scale effectively. The focus is on the solution’s usability, its adaptability to current technologies, and its capacity to handle future growth or increased demand.

Impact of the Solutions

    This criterion measures the overall effectiveness of the solution in terms of return on investment (ROI) and its contribution to enhancing the quality of life for Dubai's residents. It considers the balance between implementation effort and benefits, as well as improvements in convenience, safety, and user satisfaction with taxi services.

Innovation and Creativity

    It focuses on the originality and imaginative aspects of the solution, and looks for novel ideas and approaches, evaluating the project's ability to introduce new concepts or propose unique solutions to existing challenges. The inventive use of technology, the originality of the design, and the project's capacity to stand out from conventional solutions are key components.

Usage of Alibaba Cloud

    It evaluates the integration and use of Alibaba Cloud products within the project, particularly PAI, AnalyticDB and other recommended services. Projects are expected to demonstrate the use of Alibaba Cloud's services, taking advantage of their specific features to optimize the solution, and showcasing the benefits of incorporating these products into the technological stack.

Learning Resources

This article describes how to create a RAG service using Compute Nest with LLMs on PAI-EAS, AnalyticDB for PostgreSQL as the vector store, Gradio for ... Learn more
This article discusses the seamless integration of Llama 2 models on Alibaba Cloud's PAI-EAS platform, which offers significant speed boosts and cost savings for users through PAI Blade. Learn more
Explore the integration of AnalyticDB for PostgreSQL with large language models on Alibaba Cloud's PAI platform, empowering businesses with efficiency. Learn more
Explore the integration of AnalyticDB for PostgreSQL with large language models on Alibaba Cloud's Compute Nest, empowering businesses with efficiency. Learn more
Explore the integration of AnalyticDB for PostgreSQL with large language models on Alibaba Cloud's Compute Nest, empowering businesses with efficiency. Learn more
Explore the integration of AnalyticDB for PostgreSQL with large language models on Alibaba Cloud's PAI, empowering businesses with efficiency. Learn more
This article introduces Compute Nest, a comprehensive cloud integration Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution. Learn more
In this article, we will explore how you can create your own GenAI model without the need for costly investments or extensive time commitments. Learn more
In this tutorial, we will explore the rapid deployment of AI painting with stable diffusion WebUI using Alibaba Cloud's PAI-EAS. Learn more
This article introduces Alibaba Cloud PAI, a platform that combines AI capabilities with Langchain and LLM to revolutionize the field of Generative AI. Learn more
This article provides a comprehensive guide on deploying a large language model (LLM) application using the Platform for AI - Elastic Algorithm Service. Learn more
This topic describes how to deploy the open source Kohya_ss and train a Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) model by using the Kohya_ss in the Elastic Algorithm Service (EAS) of Platform for AI (PAI). In AI painting scenarios, you can apply the trained LoRA model in the Stable Diffusion (SD) service as an auxiliary model to improve the SD painting performance. Learn more
Stable Diffusion is an open source text-to-image diffusion model that can generate images based on text prompts. You can use Elastic Algorithm Service (EAS) to deploy a Stable Diffusion model as an AI-powered web application, and use the deployed application to perform model inference and generate images. Learn more
You can use Elastic Algorithm Service (EAS) to deploy a web application for AI video generation based on ComfyUI and Stable Video Diffusion models. You can quickly implement an AI-powered text-to-video solution that helps you complete tasks such as generating short videos or animation on social platforms. This topic describes how to deploy an AI video generation application, related inference services and answers to FAQ during the deployment. Learn more
You can use a vector database as a dedicated enterprise knowledge base to perform vector search, and perform model inference based on large language models (LLMs) in Elastic Algorithm Service (EAS) of Machine Learning Platform for AI (PAI). You can also use the open source framework LangChain to integrate vector search and model inference into your business by using EAS to achieve optimized inference results. This topic describes how to use PAI and a vector database to implement intelligent dialogue based on LLMs. Learn more
You can use Elastic Algorithm Service (EAS) of Platform for AI (PAI) to deploy a large language model (LLM) as an AI-powered web application. After you deploy the model, you can call the application by using the web UI or API operations. You can also use the LangChain framework to integrate enterprise knowledge base to implement intelligent conversation and automation capabilities. EAS also provides BladeLLM and vLLM inference acceleration engines that support high concurrency and low latency. Learn more
The model deployment section below has Elastic Algorithm Service (EAS) which houses the deployment models already available and acts as a platform to deploy the customized models created by the users. Learn more
Our ultimate purpose is to mount this OSS image dataset to the DSW instance and enable the usage of the dataset the same way I used in the standalone . Learn more

  • FAQ

  • What is the Alibaba Cloud UAE AI Hackathon 2025?

    The Alibaba Cloud UAE AI Hackathon 2025 is an innovation-driven event aimed at fostering AI development and enhancing AI for innovation in UAE. Participants will have the opportunity to develop AI solutions using Alibaba Cloud's AI solution including proprietary AI models like Qwen (LLM) and WAN (Visual Generation Model) with the chance to win exciting prizes and gain recognition within the tech community.

  • Who can participate in the hackathon?

    The hackathon is open to developers, and AI enthusiasts who are above legal age and passionate about creating innovative AI solutions. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, you are welcome to participate.

  • What are the prizes for the winners?

    The total prize for this hackathon is up to $10,000+. Six teams will be awarded as winners.
    ● First Prize: USD3000
    ● Second Prize: USD2000
    ● Third Prize: USD1000

  • What is Alibaba Cloud's Model Studio, and how do I use it?

    Alibaba Cloud's Model Studio is a powerful AI development platform that allows users to build, train, and deploy AI models with ease. During the hackathon, participants will be given access to Model Studio and will receive training as part of the pre-hackathon sessions.

  • Are there any pre-hackathon sessions or training?

    Yes, There will be two day online training session to provide knowledge of Alibaba Cloud AI tools that should be used in your project.

  • How will the projects be judged?

    Projects will be judged based on several criteria including: Innovation and Creativity, Technical Implementation, Impact and Presentation and Pitching

  • Can I participate in a team?

    Yes, participants can form teams of up to 4 members. You can either register as a team or find teammates during the first day of the hackathon events. Please note that each team members need to register in the form as part of hackathon.

  • What should I bring to the hackathon?

    Participants should bring their own laptops and any other necessary equipment for coding and project development. Wi-Fi and power outlets will be provided at the venue.

  • Is there a participation fee?

    No, participation in the Alibaba Cloud UAE AI Hackathon 2025 is completely free. But if you coming from outside UAE, we might not able to cover your travel and accomodation.

  • How can I get help during the hackathon?

    Mentors and technical support staff will be available throughout the hackathon to assist participants with any questions or issues.

  • Is there any travel or accommodation support for participants traveling to UAE?

    Unfortunately, there will be no travel support for participants in this hackathon. All participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodation costs to attend the event in UAE.

  • Will food and beverages be provided during the hackathon?

    Yes, meals and refreshments will be provided for all participants throughout the hackathon.

  • Is this an overnight hackathon?

    No, this is not an overnight hackathon. The venue will remain open until approximately 6:00 PM each day (hackathon time is from 9:00AM - 5:00PM). However, participants are welcome to continue working on their projects independently after the venue closes.

FAQ

  • What is the Alibaba Cloud UAE AI Hackathon 2025?

    The Alibaba Cloud UAE AI Hackathon 2025 is an innovation-driven event aimed at fostering AI development and enhancing AI for innovation in UAE. Participants will have the opportunity to develop AI solutions using Alibaba Cloud's AI solution including proprietary AI models like Qwen (LLM) and WAN (Visual Generation Model) with the chance to win exciting prizes and gain recognition within the tech community.

  • Who can participate in the hackathon?

    The hackathon is open to developers, and AI enthusiasts who are above legal age and passionate about creating innovative AI solutions. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, you are welcome to participate.

  • What are the prizes for the winners?

    The total prize for this hackathon is up to $10,000+. Six teams will be awarded as winners.
    ● First Prize: USD3000
    ● Second Prize: USD2000
    ● Third Prize: USD1000

  • What is Alibaba Cloud's Model Studio, and how do I use it?

    Alibaba Cloud's Model Studio is a powerful AI development platform that allows users to build, train, and deploy AI models with ease. During the hackathon, participants will be given access to Model Studio and will receive training as part of the pre-hackathon sessions.

  • Are there any pre-hackathon sessions or training?

    Yes, There will be two day online training session to provide knowledge of Alibaba Cloud AI tools that should be used in your project.

  • How will the projects be judged?

    Projects will be judged based on several criteria including: Innovation and Creativity, Technical Implementation, Impact and Presentation and Pitching

  • Can I participate in a team?

    Yes, participants can form teams of up to 4 members. You can either register as a team or find teammates during the first day of the hackathon events. Please note that each team members need to register in the form as part of hackathon.

  • What should I bring to the hackathon?

    Participants should bring their own laptops and any other necessary equipment for coding and project development. Wi-Fi and power outlets will be provided at the venue.

  • Is there a participation fee?

    No, participation in the Alibaba Cloud UAE AI Hackathon 2025 is completely free. But if you coming from outside UAE, we might not able to cover your travel and accomodation.

  • How can I get help during the hackathon?

    Mentors and technical support staff will be available throughout the hackathon to assist participants with any questions or issues.

  • Is there any travel or accommodation support for participants traveling to UAE?

    Unfortunately, there will be no travel support for participants in this hackathon. All participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodation costs to attend the event in UAE.

  • Will food and beverages be provided during the hackathon?

    Yes, meals and refreshments will be provided for all participants throughout the hackathon.

  • Is this an overnight hackathon?

    No, this is not an overnight hackathon. The venue will remain open until approximately 6:00 PM each day (hackathon time is from 9:00AM - 5:00PM). However, participants are welcome to continue working on their projects independently after the venue closes.

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