Ruya AI Hackathon 2026: Self-Improving Agents

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE

Design and deploy self-improving AI agents that can optimize their own behavior over time. Join the region’s top AI builders, researchers, and engineers for an intense, in-person competition focused on the future of autonomous systems.

We Bring:

• ​Expert judges
• ​Good food
• A great set-up for your team with our partners at AUD

​You Bring:

• ​Your Ideas
• ​Positive Vibes
• A readiness to crank out code

What's the project you've been sitting on? A research agent? A library for the agentic era? An agent training framework? Whatever the idea, it's time to stop talking and start coding.

If you are a student, creator, researcher, or extreme enthusiast in AI, autonomous agents, self-optimizing systems, multi-agent workflows, and everything in between... this is your green light!

Register to build.

​What Will You Build?

​Participants will design self-improving agent systems that can:

• ​Learn from data and feedback
• Adapt strategies over time
• Optimize workflows, decisions, or behaviors autonomously

​You may integrate advanced tooling such as agent platforms, voice APIs, memory systems, evaluation layers, or workflow orchestration tools provided by our partners.

EXPECT:

• ​Win up to 50,000 AED in cash and partner prizes
• One-day, in-person challenge
• Work on real-world agent systems
• ​Learn from expert mentors in AI and autonomous systems
• Collaborate with elite engineers, researchers, and startups

SCHEDULE:

​9:00 – 9:30 | Registration & Check-In

9:30 – 9:45 | Opening Ceremony & Partner Talks

10:15 – 10:30 | Challenge Briefing + Judging Criteria + Q&A

10:30 – 4:45 | Hacking Session

12:30 | Lunch Break

4:45 | Code Freeze

5:00 – 6:00 | Pitches

6:00 – 6:45 | Closing + Partner Keynote + Awards

PRIZE POOL:

Up to 50,000 AED + Partner Prizes

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS:

US Consulate - The U.S. Consulate in Dubai represents U.S. government interests, supports American citizens, and promotes economic, educational, and cultural cooperation between the U.S. and the UAE.

AWS - A global leader in cloud computing, providing the secure and scalable infrastructure that powers today’s most innovative businesses. We are proud to have them as our sponsor, helping us support the next generation of creators and engineers.

American University of Dubai - Leading private university in the UAE, known for American-accredited programs and strong links to industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Applying To Participate - Who Should Apply?

• ​Top AI & Engineering Students from leading universities.
• ​Early-career engineers and researchers at AI startups and labs.
• ​Developers building agent systems, orchestration tools, or applied AI.

​We use an application-based selection process to ensure a high level of technical depth and meaningful collaboration.

Join Us - APPLY NOW!