• The annual hackathon tasks students to solve machine learning (ML) problems
• Roads and Transportation Authority to provide use cases on which participants will train their data models
• The top five teams are invited to present their methodology and results to a panel of judges for a final score and the chance to win prizes

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 13th February 2025, ZainTECH, the integrated digital solutions provider of Zain Group, today announced details of this year’s ZainTECH Data Challenge, which is set to take place 1 February, in partnerhsip with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai, and will focus on solutions to optimize the challenges public transport networks face. The Challenge will also include the consideration of enhancements to commuter experiences within the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The Data Challenge is an annual hackathon hosted by RIT Dubai and ZainTECH, and each year 60 undergraduate students are invited from across the UAE to participate in solving machine learning (ML) problems. The top five teams are invited to present their methodology and results to a panel of judges for a final score and the chance to win prizes including paid internships.

Participating university students are given an opportunity to leverage data-driven insights to revolutionize urban transportation in the real world, which provides a platform for students to develop innovative solutions that can optimize public transport networks and enhance commuter comfort and safety.

Collaboration between students from multiple disciplines is fostered, allowing them to develop innovative solutions for public transport, while bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. ZainTECH and RIT Dubai are also extremely grateful for the active participation and contribution made by the RTA to this year’s Challenge, allowing participants to receive a sense of real-world transportation challenges that need to be addressed and overcome.

Commenting on the latest installment of the ZainTECH Data Challenge, Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTECH said, “This initiative addresses a number of our corporate social responsibility goals, including supporting young people and education, as well as developing solutions to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals. In this year’s case, we are focusing efforts on optimizing public transportation, reducing emissions, and improving energy efficiency. We wish all this year’s Challenge participants the very best and look forward to listening and judging the short-listed solutions, which we are sure will be of the highest standard.”

Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai commented, “It is a great pleasure to host the Data Challenge for the second year in a row! This year witnesses an integration between three different sectors: the private sector (represented by ZainTECH), the educational sector (represented by RIT Dubai) and the governmental public sector (represented by RTA). Our partnership sets an exemplar of an interactive ecosystem that would help in solving real life challenges for entities and creating opportunities for talents. This year’s challenge focuses on creating solutions in the areas of mobility challenges and efficiency and invites students from different UAE universities to showcase their skills. This collaboration is a station in the long journey of bridging the gap between academia and the industry.”

Hessa Al Suwaidi, Director of Information Technology at RTA, commented, “Data is the new fuel, and at RTA, we leverage real-world data to enhance operational efficiency but also to ensure the highest standards of security. By analyzing user preferences and continuously optimizing processes, we ensure a seamless and reliable experience for all.

As one of Dubai’s largest government entities and a recognized leader in technology adoption, RTA is a data-driven organization committed to fostering innovation. We actively encourage and empower students to develop their skills by working with real-world data, exploring advanced technologies, and crafting effective solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.”

This year’s Challenge highlights the positive collaboration that can be achieved between private sector organizations and government entities, in this particular case with the RTA. It also highlights our continued collaboration with RIT to foster and develop the talent of youth across the UAE in the area of Data Science.

About ZainTECH

ZainTECH is a regional integrated digital solutions provider, unifying Zain Group’s ICT assets to offer a unique value proposition of comprehensive digital solutions and services under one roof. The company is positioned to drive the transformation of enterprise and government customers in the MENA region by providing a center of excellence and managed solutions across the ICT stack, including cloud, cybersecurity, big data, IoT, AI, smart cities, drones and robotics, and emerging technologies.

ZainTECH leverages Zain’s global reach, unique regional footprint, and infrastructure across its operations in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as in other key markets in the Middle East.

ZainTECH forms a key pillar in the evolution of Zain’s core telecom business to maximize value and build on the company’s many strengths to selectively create and invest in growth verticals beyond standard mobile services. This ultimately supports Zain’s vision of becoming a leading ICT and digital lifestyle provider.

For more information, please visit www.zaintech.com

About RIT Dubai

Entering its next stage of growth in the region, RIT Dubai is now operating from phase one of its new $136 million state-of-the-art campus development, which will provide interactive learning space set over 129,000 square meters.

RIT Dubai offers highly valued Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in business and leadership, engineering, and computing. The curriculum provides students with relevant work experience through an innovative cooperative education program that helps students stand out in today’s highly competitive job market. RIT Dubai offers American degrees, and all of RIT’s programs are UAE Ministry accredited. Students of RIT Dubai also have the unique opportunity to choose to study abroad at the main campus in New York or at one of its other global campuses.

About RTA

Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in today’s world, making the provision of high-quality infrastructure facilities imperative. The government of Dubai recognizes the importance of providing an advanced transport network for the people and prioritizes the initiatives to enhance the public transport facilities and improve roads across the emirate to make travel safer and smoother. To achieve this vision, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) was formed by decree number 17 for the year 2005. RTA is responsible for planning and providing the requirements of transport, roads & traffic in the Emirate of Dubai, and between Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE and neighboring countries in order to provide an effective & an integrated transport system capable of serving the vital interests of the Emirate.