Al Jabal Al Akhdar: The Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) has successfully wrapped up the first edition of the Omran Hackathon, representing a pivotal step forward in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within Oman’s tourism industry.
This event was organized in strategic collaboration with the Oman Across Ages Museum, the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and various entities from the Oman Investment Authority, with execution managed by Al Jabr Mena. It highlighted a cooperative effort to address significant challenges in tourism and related sectors, including energy, logistics, and environmental issues.
The closing ceremony took place under the patronage of H.E. Halima Rashid al-Zari, Chairperson of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and was attended by Mr. Al Muatasim bin Said Al Sariry, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Omran Group, along with Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of the Group, at the Naseem DusitD2 Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
The hackathon commenced with an intensive boot camp on December 14th at the Oman Across Ages Museum. From more than 400 applicants, 100 participants were chosen to form 20 teams. These teams underwent rigorous training sessions during the boot camp. Following a thorough evaluation process, only 8 teams were selected to progress to the final stage, which was held from December 19 to 21 at the Naseem DusitD2 Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
Participants executed their projects with the support of a panel of experts and mentors from diverse industries. The final concepts were subsequently showcased to a judging panel made up of specialists and authorities in their respective fields.
During the closing ceremony, the top winners were announced, with the “Beyond” team taking first place for their project that aimed to create an intelligent tourism platform leveraging VR and AR technologies, specifically targeting the Chinese market.
The “Walk” team earned second place for their innovative project that utilizes AI to help visitors navigate destinations and enhance their travel experiences. Third place was awarded to the “Hydro-X” team, recognized for their groundbreaking solutions aimed at minimizing water waste through advanced leak detection technologies.
Furthermore, the “Janainah” team received a special accolade from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate for their project, which developed a digital platform serving as a smart technical reference and personal assistant for farmers, enabling them to access the latest information and remote consultations on various agricultural practices.
Emphasizing the importance of this achievement, Kawthar Said Al Amrani, Research, Development & Innovation Lead at Omran Group, remarked: “The Omran Hackathon has acted as a vibrant platform to foster creativity and empower local talent in crafting sustainable, impactful solutions for Oman’s tourism sector. It embodies our dedication to shaping a future where innovation and sustainability propel the growth of tourism in the Sultanate.”
She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the partners in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate for their invaluable support in ensuring the success of the inaugural hackathon. Their contributions have been crucial in pinpointing the key challenges within the tourism sector of the governorate, which participants have actively sought to tackle. Mohammed Salim Al Wahibi, CEO of Al Jabr, remarked, “Our collaboration with Omran Group on this initiative underscores our mutual goal of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the Sultanate. The outstanding ideas put forth by participants highlight the capabilities of Omani talent in addressing industry challenges with sustainable and progressive solutions. Events like this play a vital role in cultivating a dynamic ecosystem that fosters economic and social advancement.”
Mohammed Said Al Maashani, the leader of the winning team, reflected on his experience, stating, “Participating in the Omran Hackathon was a life-changing opportunity. The mentorship and insights we received from industry experts allowed us to transform our ideas into practical projects. This experience has given us the confidence and resolve to innovate and make a significant impact on Oman’s tourism sector.”
The first Omran Hackathon marks a pivotal advancement in nurturing a culture of innovation within Oman’s sustainable tourism industry. With ongoing support from strategic partners and industry leaders, participants are well-equipped to turn their concepts into actionable initiatives that will promote growth and innovation in tourism and related fields.
Through this initiative, Omran Group reaffirms its dedication to positioning Oman as a premier tourism destination that harmonizes authentic heritage with sustainable innovation.
