Events
Students From 10 Middle East Countries Attend the Finals of Huawei’s ICT Competition 2018 in China
Huawei has announced the end of the second edition of it’s ICT Competition 2018 aimed at preparing the next generation of ICT leaders based on Huawei new vision of bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected and intelligent world. Combining the company’s CSR goal of nurturing local ICT talent in collaboration with government authorities, colleges and universities in the Middle East with its mandate to build the ICT ecosystem, Huawei aims to equip countries in the Middle East to pursue their national agendas for digital transformation and achieve their national visions.
Aimed at universities and students, the competition seeks to recognize and nurture the region’s finest ICT talent, increase national ICT competitiveness by promoting innovation and creativity among ICT students and encourage them to actively contribute to achieving their countries vision for digital transformation and sustainable socioeconomic growth and developments. The program attempts to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace, thus enhancing students’ future employment opportunities in the ICT sector through knowledge sharing on latest ICT developments, international trends, and hands-on skills development training at Huawei’s state of the art labs, R&D centers and facilities. National winners from each participating country receive a trip to global ICT company’s headquarters in Shenzhen, certification and cash prizes, in addition to employment opportunities at Huawei to select candidates.
The ICT Competition was made possible through strong partnerships between Huawei and many government entities from the Middle East, from Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq as well as the support from over 226 universities in the region. The generation of students involved is expected to lead the region’s ICT industry into the future by embracing digital transformation. The ICT Competition is designed to prepare them for such a responsibility.
Over 14,748 students registered for the competition from the region. Out of the 4,915 students who attended, 214 were selected for the national final. Ultimately, 39 students were chosen for the international final, from 13 universities. The winners of the international final competition in Shenzhen will receive Huawei Certificate Vouchers, trophies, and prizes. In addition to awarding the most outstanding team with $30,000 USD in cash, the next five teams will claim second place and three teams will be awarded third place. The next seven teams will receive Excellence Prizes, while 6 tutors and 11 academies will also be recognized with the Excellent Tutor and Excellent Academy Prizes.
After doing the final exams, competitors as well as representatives from their respective embassies will attend Huawei’s ICT Talent Cultivation Summit and Award Ceremony along with members of UNESCO and China’s top universities and government entities. The students will also experience China’s rich heritage through cultural visits and have the opportunity to visit the campus of Huawei’s prestigious Southern University of Science and Technology (SUST).
The trip to China will conclude the 2018 edition of Huawei ICT Competition, which so far has gone through two rounds of rigorous examination at the local and national level. In total, 14,748 students across the Middle East applied for the competition, from which 4,915 were selected to take part in the preliminary rounds. 214 students passed on to the final round, and 39 in total from 13 teams will be traveling to China to compete internationally. The ICT Competition was made possible through the cooperation of 17 ministries across 10 countries. 226 colleges and universities took part in total, and 65 participated in Huawei’s roadshow. 950 students additionally passed the Huawei HCNA certification exam.
Charles Yang, president of HUAWEI Middle East said, “We are committed to supporting the region’s journey of digital transformation and align with government targets to take advantage of ICT in driving the socioeconomic growth and achieve the national visions targets. Huawei ICT Competition increases national ICT competitiveness and encourages local communities to contribute to achieving the country’s national vision for digital transformation and economic growth. The future of ICT progress lays in the hands of our students, and by developing platforms and programs that allow them to grow and mature into experts, we can better equip the next generation of technology leaders.”
Events
HONOR Hosts ‘HONOR the INNOVATION’ Event
HONOR revealed its latest flagship, the HONOR Magic V3, at the exclusive ‘HONOR the Innovation’ event. The launch of HONOR Magic V3 highlights HONOR’s unwavering commitment to innovation and the future of foldable technology, as the company continues to push boundaries and shape the tech landscape. The event followed HONOR’s announcement from the IFA 2024 site in Germany last week, where the company, in collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft, unveiled a trio of pioneering mobile AI solutions, spotlighting advancements in AI-driven computing and security.
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AI Agent, an on-device assistant that enhances user efficiency by automating tasks and integrating seamlessly with various apps. Additionally, HONOR introduced the world’s first on-device AI Deepfake Detection technology, which utilizes advanced algorithms to identify manipulated media and safeguard users from digital deception.
At the heart of the event in Dubai, is HONOR’s vision to redefine the mobile experience with groundbreaking features and design, making the HONOR Magic V3 a pivotal device in the company’s product lineup. From its innovative AI-integrated features, sleek and ultra-thin foldable design, and high-end camera systems, HONOR Magic V3 represents HONOR’s mission to deliver cutting-edge technology that meets the needs of modern users.
The UAE’s focus on becoming a global hub for innovation aligns with HONOR’s mission to elevate the mobile technology standard. Through events and devices like the Magic V3, HONOR aims to contribute to the UAE’s vision of a more connected, tech-driven future. The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion, “Social Coins of Innovation”. The panel spotlighted thought leaders including Mona Ataya, Founder of Mumzworld; Sudhu Arumugam, Chief Product Officer of M2; and Rishabh Singh, Vice President of Products at Astra Tech. Attendees experienced the future of mobile technology, networked with key figures in the tech industry, and gained insights from influential speakers.
As HONOR continues to make significant strides in the UAE and beyond, the successful launch of HONOR Magic V3 reaffirms the brand’s dedication to creating transformative technology. By consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, HONOR remains at the forefront of technological advancement, delivering products that are not only innovative but also practical, versatile, and designed for the future. The strong reception at the event sets the stage for HONOR Magic V3 to become a landmark device, solidifying HONOR’s role as a global leader in smart devices.
Events
YaLLa Esports Launches $1.5M Esports Circuit
Following a successful inaugural season in 2024, YaLLa Esports, the leading esports media company and tournament organiser in the United Arab Emirates, is thrilled to announce the return of YaLLa Compass in 2025. YaLLa Esports is expanding the tournament’s reach with two tier 1 LAN events planned across the MENA region, offering one of the highest Counter-Strike 2 prize pools at $1.5 million (up from $450k in 2024).
The 2024 YaLLa Compass season amassed a worldwide following with a combined viewership across all broadcasts of 50 million views and 5 million+ watch hours. YaLLa Compass transcended geographic boundaries with 30 global broadcasts in 15 languages, catering to a truly global audience.
“The rapid growth of esports in MENA has created a unique opportunity for brands to connect with passionate and engaged audiences,” said Klaus Kajetski, founder and CEO, YaLLa Esports. “We proudly stand as a local company that delivered an esports event of this scale meeting international standards. By collaborating with both local and global brands, we reached mutual goals and made a significant impact for all our stakeholders, not only in the gaming industry’s local startups, tech talents and pop culture enthusiasts.”
The first LAN event drew a massive crowd of 2,000+ but also acro visitors, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The competition featured some of the world’s top Counter-Strike 2 athletes, including 12 global elite teams and a local Abu Dhabi team- Ninjas in Pyjamas.
Open qualifiers for Compass begin on July 29th, with two additional open qualifiers planned for Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. Teams will finally compete in a closed qualifier stage in the leadup to the first LAN event which will be held at prominent MENA locations in Q2 2025.
Events
HP Igniting Next-Gen UAE Talent in Esports and Game Development
HP has announced the winners of this year’s GameOn with the HP Gaming Garage hackathon at an event that took place at the HP Gaming Garage Lab at Rochester University in Dubai. Part of HP’s commitment to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030, the GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon fosters creativity and innovation among aspiring game developers between the ages of 13-18 in the UAE. This year’ s hackathon concluded last week with Dubai Gem Private School, GEMS Wellington Academy School -Silicon Oasis, GEMS Founders School, Barsha selected as the big winners for their Golden Horizons, Circle Quest, and Code Crusaders Game projects respectively.
“As the Online Games market in the United Arab Emirates thrives, HP remains dedicated to building talent and innovation through initiatives like the HP Gaming Garage. With the UAE market projected to reach a revenue of US$50.60 million in 2024 and an anticipated user base of 1.3 million by 2027, the UAE’s emergence as a gaming hub highlights the importance of empowering the next generation of gamers and developers” said Peter Oganesean, Managing Director Middle East and East Africa, HP.
The HP Gaming Garage initiative is designed to inspire and empower students across the globe to develop the skills required for success in the gaming and esports sectors. With backing from HP, this initiative offers an online Gaming Garage education course platform available in various languages, including English and Arabic. Registering in the free courses offered in Game Development and Esports Management that are available via the HP Gaming Garage curriculum, individuals have the opportunity to enhance their abilities and flourish in the digital landscape.
One of this year’s highlights of the HP Gaming Garage initiative is the GameOn hackathon, providing students in the UAE with the possibility to apply their skills and creativity to highlight, celebrate and thereby preserve culture with the guidance of experienced mentors. Students between 13 and 18 years old who completed 70% of at least one of the HP Gaming Garage courses were presented with the opportunity to participate in this year’s hackathon, which kicked off on March 29th, 2024. The goal is for the participating teams to cultivate their own gaming concepts and ideas, infusing them with cultural diversity and richness.
“Gaming has become a powerful trend, with the younger generation seeking connection and bonding through gameplay, fostering relationships in new and innovative ways. We believe that the GameOn with HP Gaming Garage hackathon offers students a unique opportunity to showcase their technical skills while exploring and celebrating their cultural heritage through the immersive medium of gaming,” commented Lavina Punjabi, Sustainability Lead Middle East and Africa, HP.
In collaboration with AMD, HP launched the HP Gaming Garage Lab at Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai in February 2021. Serving as a hub for gaming and esports enthusiasts, the Lab provides students with state-of-the-art gaming equipment and access to industry leaders, fostering skill development and networking opportunities. Equipped with cutting-edge PCs, monitors, and peripherals, students are welcome to use the facility to study and create while curated programs and industry encounter sessions offer valuable insights and connections, and competitions like online gaming tournaments and hackathons provide exciting opportunities for participation and growth.
The winners of this year’s GameOn Hackathon presented their projects at the HP Gaming Garage Lab to a committee of esteemed gaming, education and technology experts consisting of Dr. Omar Abdul Latif, Assistant Professor at RIT-Dubai, Girish Dhyani Chandra, Sales Lead for the Middle East market at AMD, Rishabh Khanna, Founder & Board Member of International Teachers University, USA, Salman Razzaq, Business Development Leader at HP, Maxim Komlev, HP HyperX and Nisreen AlKhateeb, Trade Compliance at HP who selected the big winners. The winning teams were awarded remarkable prizes and recognition for their cultural creations, alongside mentorship opportunities from HP experts.