Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has brought together more than 70 university students from across the UAE for a hackathon exploring how artificial intelligence and open data can transform the future of mobility.
The event, titled “Generative AI Meets Open Data,” was organised by RTA’s Public Transport Agency in collaboration with BytePlus, a global technology firm known for digital innovation. Participants were challenged to create AI-powered solutions using publicly available data sets, with a focus on advancing smart transport services in Dubai.
Nine teams reached the final stage, presenting their projects to a panel of experts from RTA and its partners. The top three winners will be honoured later this month at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport 2025, where they will also have the chance to showcase their ideas to a wider audience and potentially partner with RTA for future development.
RTA said the hackathon is part of its commitment to fostering innovation by engaging young talent and incorporating diverse perspectives into its technology strategies. The initiative was supported by RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, which coordinated with universities and start-ups, oversaw the evaluation process, and ensured that promising ideas were protected under intellectual property systems.
BytePlus highlighted the creativity and technical expertise displayed by participants, reaffirming its support for initiatives that use data and AI to serve the public interest.
By integrating youth-led innovation with cutting-edge technology, RTA aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a hub for smart mobility and sustainable transport solutions.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
