Muscat – The Hadatha Cybersecurity Hackathon was launched on Tuesday, organised by Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology through the National Centre for Information Security, in collaboration with University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat.

The event brings together 49 innovators, selected from 165 applicants, forming 14 teams competing to develop advanced technological solutions to address cybersecurity challenges.

Badar bin Ali al Salehi, Director General of Oman National CERT, stated, “Hadatha Hackathon is part of the sultanate’s efforts to consolidate its position as a regional hub for cybersecurity and technological innovation. By supporting young talent 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.”

Participants will engage in a 48-hour non-stop challenge, working under guidance of cybersecurity experts. The hackathon focuses on four key areas – integrating artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, securing advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain, countering cyberattacks, and raising cybersecurity awareness.

On the occasion, Dr Khalid bin Salim al Abri, Deputy Assistant President of University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat, said, “Enhancing skills and innovations in cybersecurity is a national priority to keep pace with rapid digital advancements.”

He highlighted the university’s commitment to empowering young innovators and supporting technological solutions that address cybersecurity threats. Abri described the hackathon as more than a competition – an interactive platform for exchanging ideas and refining participants’ skills.

On the final day, teams will present their projects to a judging panel, with evaluation criteria based on innovation, feasibility and potential industry impact. Winning teams will have the opportunity to further develop their projects at Hadatha Lab, which was inaugurated in October 2024, transforming their ideas into practical solutions for Oman and the wider Arab region’s cybersecurity sector.