First Samail Environmental Hackathon Explores Youth Ideas for Sustainable Environment
Samail, 13 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- In a step reflecting the growing awareness among Omani youth regarding the importance of sustainability and their role in protecting the environment and creating future solutions, the third Samail Economic Forum kicks off its activities tomorrow by organizing the first Samail Environmental Hackathon.
The event is held under the theme of engaging the community in innovating practical solutions for environmental and sustainable development issues.
The hackathon comes as the culmination of a registration phase that lasted from 4 to 11 January. The names of the teams qualified to participate in the competitions, which will take place from 20 to 22 January, will be announced.
The first Samail Environmental Hackathon targets various segments of society interested in environmental issues and the green economy, ranging from male and female students in schools and academic institutions to job seekers and entrepreneurs. This interactive experience aims to transform environmental challenges into innovative developmental opportunities, contributing to building a sustainable and livable environment in the Wilayat of Samail.
The hackathon is based on two main tracks designed to cover the three dimensions of sustainability: environment, society, and economy, in line with the initiative's goals to promote local sustainable development. The first track involves designing a sustainable ecotourism model using the Suroor Oasis as a case study. This model seeks to achieve a balance between protecting natural resources and supporting economic development, with a focus on maximizing the benefits of environmental assets and local content, engaging the local community, and promoting green tourism concepts in the Wilayat of Samail.
The second track addresses the issue of the dense spread of the "Reeds" plant (Phragmites) in the valleys of the Wilayat of Samail. This plant poses environmental and societal challenges, most notably the narrowing of valley streams, increased fire risks, and the creation of suitable environments for pests and rodents, in the absence of sustainable solutions for its management or utilization despite its increasing impact on ecological balance and public safety.
Dr. Hamad Hamoud Al Nadabi, the General Supervisor of the hackathon, stated that the idea for organizing the first Samail Environmental Hackathon emerged from the Samail Initiative for Environment and Sustainable Development as its debut project. This stems from the organizers' conviction in the importance of involving the community in innovating practical solutions for local environmental challenges.
He added that the hackathon represents a platform bringing together researchers, youth, innovation leaders, and civil society institutions with the goal of transforming environmental issues into developmental opportunities that support environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the Wilayat of Samail.
Al Nadabi explained that the hackathon witnessed wide participation and remarkable interaction from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, with more than 140 teams registering to compete in its two tracks. This reflects the level of community interest in environmental issues and the high level of awareness regarding the importance of innovation in finding sustainable solutions. He emphasized that this significant engagement embodies the hackathon's success in achieving one of its most prominent goals: stimulating community participation and building effective partnerships for a more sustainable environmental future.
The outcomes of the first Samail Environmental Hackathon are expected to contribute to providing applicable models and ideas that support environmental sustainability efforts in the Wilayat and enhance the role of youth as active partners in driving development and protecting natural resources.
---Ends/AG
