Participants from around the world are being invited to register for the first global Spark AR Hackathon Challenge, which is being organised by Meta in collaboration with the UAE Office for Artificial Intelligence, UAE Coders HQ and the Museum of the Future.
A hackathon, also known as a codefest, is a social coding event that brings computer programmers and enthusiasts together to improve upon or build a new software programme.
Under the theme of "Tomorrow Today - What will the next decade bring?", the Spark AR hackathon is calling upon the global community of developers to showcase their creativity and innovation. Participants will be challenged to use augmented reality to identify how modern technologies can improve various sectors, such as transportation.
Two key challenges provided by Emirates Airline and Accenture will shape the hackathon. Participants will be tasked to create AR effects around the theme of "Mobility of Tomorrow" for Emirates Airline and "Opportunities of the Future" for Accenture.
The winners' creations will appear on the official social media accounts of the two companies and participants will also get a chance to win cash prizes totalling more than $50,000, in addition to attending workshops hosted by Meta to refine participants' skills in cooperation with the best-augmented reality developers worldwide.
Registration is open until June 17 with the hackathon running from then until July 1, and winners will be announced on July 7.
The UAE's Attorney-General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has ordered the referral of 13 defendants and six UAE-registered companies to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal (State Security Court) on charges of illicit trafficking in military materiel, forgery and money laundering.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured the winners of the 'Erth Dubai Awards', recognising their contributions to preserving the emirate’s cultural and social heritage.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has met with France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, to discuss regional developments and bilateral ties.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced a nationwide programme of events to mark International Workers’ Day on May 1, in collaboration with government and private sector partners.
The UAE’s transport and supply chain system continues to operate efficiently, affirmed Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, adding that it reflects the country's "high level of resilience in addressing regional challenges".
Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minster of State, has reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to end the conflict in Gaza and advance a path towards a two-state solution.