Teenage boys win ‘App Olympics’ for platform that makes education affordable

Dubai's App Olympics winners

 Three teenagers in Dubai have clinched victory at the inaugural App Olympics, showcasing their app "Emudy," designed to simplify preparation for the UAE's standardized test, Emsat. Mohamed Hamad, Ryan, and Mohammed Rashid, the brains behind Emudy, were recognized for their innovative solution to streamline studying processes. Their app, featuring instructional videos and practice exams, aims to assist the estimated 110,000 students who undertake the challenging Emsat annually. Notably, their achievement was acknowledged by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who encouraged them to expand their reach globally.

The App Olympics, held at the Museum of the Future, attracted over 1100 entries worldwide, emphasizing Dubai's burgeoning status in the digital arena. Winners across various categories were awarded Dh500,000 each to further develop their concepts. Emudy secured the prestigious title of Dubai's app of the year, following a voting process by the audience.

Reflecting on their victory, the teenage developers expressed gratitude for the platform provided by the competition. Despite initial reservations about their app's readiness, they decided to participate and ultimately triumphed with Emudy, a project close to their hearts. Their journey, which began in 2022, involved extensive research and collaboration to compile educational resources. Now, with the grant received, they plan to enhance Emudy further, aiming for a wider release by the year's end.

The App Olympics initiative, introduced by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, aligns with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed's vision to position Dubai as a global hub for mobile app development. It seeks to foster innovation and creativity among aspiring developers, contributing to Dubai's digital transformation journey.

Among other notable winners were apps addressing social impact, innovation, and advanced technological solutions. "The Intern" won in the social impact category, facilitating internship opportunities for college students in the GCC region. In the most innovative category, "Bareeq" emerged victorious, connecting home businesses on a unified platform, promoting local entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, "Tamkeen" triumphed in the Best Advanced category, aiming to digitize the rental journey for users.

The competition highlighted the importance of addressing real-world challenges through creative app solutions. Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder of Builder.ai, emphasized the unique insights demonstrated by the winners in solving pressing issues. With a focus on problem-solving and innovation, the App Olympics showcased the burgeoning talent in Dubai's digital ecosystem.

Conclusion:
Dubai's App Olympics celebrates the ingenuity of young developers and their contributions to addressing societal needs through innovative mobile applications. With Emudy leading the way in educational assistance, alongside other impactful apps, the event underscores Dubai's commitment to fostering creativity and technological advancement in the digital era.