Get ready for App Olympics 2024!

Dubai’s premier app competition is back! We are giving you the chance to get the mentorship, funding and cutting-edge tools to build your app from concept to market entry. Ready to turn your app ideas into reality?

Days

Hours

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Express your interest now

Join Create Apps Championship

Transforming Ideas into Tomorrow’s Apps

Welcome to the UAE’s flagship contest for mobile app development.

This is your chance to turn your ideas into the next big app. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or simply app-curious, this Championship is your playground. Compete to win a prize fund to compete for a share of over $720,000 in prizes, dedicated to building your app, dedicated to building your business and developing your app.

New to app development? Don’t worry. Our interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and online courses will help you master the basics and fast-track your journey.

Registration is now closed due to a high number of submissions.

Video Gallery

The App Olympics is a global mobile app competition led by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy under the Create Apps in Dubai initiative. Launched by H.H Sheikh Hamdan in March 2023, the inaugural cycle saw 12 finalists present their pitches at the Museum of the Future, with 4 winning entries receiving grand prizes and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. See the video highlights here!

Over $720,000. 4 Winners. Unlimited possibilities.

The top entry in each category will win a dedicated prize to invest in tools, services, and support needed to launch and grow their new ventures right here in Dubai!

Best Youth App

For young creators 21 years and under with creative, innovative ideas

Are you under 21 years of age, with a great idea for a mobile app? Showcase your creativity and tech innovation and get the chance to shape the future of your generation.

Most Innovative App

For apps that push the boundaries of innovation

Highlight how your app is changing the game or tackling overlooked problems with a fresh approach.

Most Impactful App

For the idea that creates the best impact on society

Does your app solve key challenges in Dubai? Can it positively impact the world? This is your chance to be recognized for your innovative ideas that can shape the future.

Longevity App of the Year

Are you ready to shape the future of healthy living?

Step into one of the world’s fastest-growing industries: longevity and wellness. Frompreventive care and mental well-being, to smart lifestyle tracking, this is your chance todesign solutions that help people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Mentorship from Key Industry Experts

100 Exclusive Learning Modules

Live Workshops and Masterclasses

Access to a global tech community

12th October 2025

OFFICIAL COMPETITION LAUNCH @ EXPAND NORTH STAR

REGISTRATION OPENS

Ready to participate? Fill out the form and sign up for the competition.

29th October - 4th December

LIVE WORKSHOPS WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Start prototyping and building your App Business Canvas (ABC Form) and pitch deck! Join our live online workshops for guidance and schedule mentorship sessions with our industry experts.

28th December 2025

REGISTRATION CLOSE

This is the last day to enroll in the competition. You will have a few more days to complete and submit your ABC form, Pitch Deck and Prototype!

4th January 2026 12:00 PM

APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Our judges will review all applications and select the semi-finalists.

30th January 2026

SEMI-FINALISTS & HIGH POTENTIAL TEAMS ANNOUNCEMENT

24 semi-finalist teams will be announced and begin their road to the Semi-Final Pitch Day. They’ll enter a tech accelerator to launch their MVPs and receive intensive pitch training for a high-stakes on-stage competition.

High-potential teams will be invited to an exclusive masterclass, with a chance to secure a spot in the tech accelerator.

2nd February 2026

MASTERCLASS FOR HIGH-POTENTIAL TEAMS

This session will explain how to apply to the tech accelerator and what you need to have ready to secure your spot.

2nd March 2026

TECH ACCELERATOR STARTS

Your fast track from prototyping to the App Store. Get mentorship, tools, and resources to launch smarter and faster.

13th April 2026

SEMI-FINAL DAY

Take the stage or join our phygital Semi-Finals. Pitch in front of investors and industry experts. Bring your loved ones to cheer you on!

14th April 2026

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

12 teams will be announced, and the countdown begins! Fine-tune and perfect your pitches with judges’ feedback and in-person rehearsals.

7th October 2026

CREATE APPS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

The Grand Finale, where 4 finalists will be crowned. Pitch on-stage in front of UAE government leaders and leverage our platform to showcase your ideas to major industry players and network with potential investors.

Who Can Join

Open to students, tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and app experts from all around the world.
The minimum age is 14 years old.

Participation

Individual entries and team entries are accepted. Maximum team size 6

General Rules

Each entry must be an original mobile app idea.
You cannot participate with a fully developed mobile app. Apps must be at an ideation stage, or in the form of an existing business you are trying to digitise.
All submissions must adhere to the deadlines and guidelines.
Participants must respect intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism.

Additional Information

Participation in the pre-launch training programs and webinars is recommended but not mandatory.
Follow all competition updates and announcements through the official channels.

Who can participate in Create Apps Championship?

Create Apps competition is open to everyone regardless of age or location, whether in the UAE or anywhere else in the world. This includes students, tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, innovators and app development experts from anywhere in the world.

How do I apply for the Create Apps Championship?

Stay tuned! Sign up to take part in our Training! You will be notified once the competition launches.

What is the competition timeline?

The competition comprises several phases, starting with qualifications in Oct 2025 and concluding with the finals in April 2026. Please refer to the competition schedule on the home page for specific dates.

Is there an entry fee to participate?

No, participation in the Create Apps competition is open to all and free of charge.

Do I need to have prior app development experience to participate?

No, the competition welcomes individuals with varying levels of experience. We offer online courses for beginners and resources for experienced developers to enhance their skills. This is a no-coding competition. Access these via the Learning Hub.

Can I participate as part of a team?

Yes, you can collaborate with others and enter as a team. There are a maximum of 6 members per team. Specific team-related guidelines will be provided during registration.

Is there a mentoring program available for participants?

Yes, we offer mentoring sessions and webinars to help participants throughout the competition. These sessions provide valuable insights from industry experts and business leaders.

How do I contact the organizers if I have more questions?

For any additional inquiries, please send us an e-mail to [email protected]

Disclaimer

The Use of "Create Apps Championship UAE" Trade Name, Trademark, and Logo

Effective Immediately Create Apps Championship UAE tradename, trademark and logo have been officially changed by Dubai Chambers. As of today, the use of "Create Apps Championship UAE" is no longer authorized in any capacity. Accordingly, all participants are strictly prohibited from using the trade name "Create Apps Championship UAE" for any purpose including but not limited to promotional materials, advertisements, social media, presentations, or any public communications from the date of this Disclaimer. Unauthorized use of this name, logo, or any associated intellectual property may result in legal action. We urge all Participants to respect the rights of the trade name owners and ensure all communications and materials comply with applicable intellectual property laws. The Participants must not violate any international or local rights, laws, or provisions, or in any way encourage the violation of those rights, laws, or provisions. Therefore, Dubai Chambers will not be held responsible for all legal measures taken against the Participants if they violate any of the rules and regulations before the official authorities. This Disclaimer is valid and come into effect from today.