Dubai will welcome the world’s brightest young programmers when it hosts the 50th edition of the International Collegiate Programming Contest World Finals from 15 to 20 November 2026.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the prestigious event reinforces the emirate’s status as a global hub for digital innovation and advanced skills development.
The hosting announcement was made today at Dubai Chambers headquarters during a press conference attended by Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Dr. William B. Poucher, President and CEO of the ICPC Foundation. The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will serve as the official host for the competition.
Recognised as the largest programming contest worldwide, ICPC attracts extraordinary global participation each year, including 63,000 students from 3,350 universities across 93 countries and six continents. More than 130 elite university teams will qualify for the finals in Dubai after progressing through regional championships.
His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said hosting the golden anniversary edition represents a strategic investment in the knowledge economy. He noted that building a future-ready digital ecosystem and strengthening ties between academia and industry remain central to the UAE’s long-term vision and to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Over 130 teams of three students each will compete in a final five-hour challenge that tests algorithmic intelligence, teamwork and innovation under intense pressure. Since its launch in 1970, ICPC has produced more than 500,000 highly skilled alumni who now hold influential positions across the global technology sector.
The 2026 finals are expected to inspire greater interest in computer science among UAE students and create new pathways for companies to connect with emerging digital talent.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
