Athar+, Abu Dhabi’s hub dedicated to accelerating social impact, has announced the second edition of its HACK4IMPACT hackathon. Operated by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, the event will bring together innovators to develop practical solutions addressing key social priorities for families across the emirate.
Quick Facts
- Event: The 2nd HACK4IMPACT hackathon
- Dates: 16-18 June 2026
- Focus: Developing solutions for family-related challenges
Fostering Innovation for Family Wellbeing
Launched in alignment with the UAE’s Year of Family, this edition of the hackathon concentrates on creating community-driven approaches to family-related issues. The three-day program will guide entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators through a structured process using design thinking methodologies to address three core priorities: building stronger family foundations, improving financial wellbeing for parents, and supporting families who are caring for aging parents.
Participants will move from exploring challenges and validating ideas to developing prototype concepts, which they will then present to a judging panel. The initiative aims to equip attendees with practical innovation skills while identifying high-potential ideas capable of addressing the evolving needs of families in Abu Dhabi.
From Concept to Incubation
Promising concepts that emerge from the hackathon will be considered for further support through the Athar+ incubation ecosystem, providing a pathway for participants to continue developing their solutions. This offers an accessible entry point for first-time innovators to engage with social entrepreneurship and contribute to solving community challenges.
His Excellency Salem AlShamsi, Executive Director of Social Incubation and Contracting at Ma’an, stated: “HACK4IMPACT reflects Athar+’s commitment to empowering innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions that address real social priorities and enhance quality of life across our communities. By empowering future talent through Athar+, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for social entrepreneurship while advancing the Authority’s vision of fostering a culture of giving, participation, and measurable social progress.’’
He added, “Aligned with the objectives of the UAE’s Year of Family, the initiative also supports broader national efforts to strengthen family wellbeing, social resilience, and community cohesion through collaborative innovation and inclusive engagement.”
About The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an
Established in 2019 by the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi (DCD), The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an is the Abu Dhabi government’s official channel for receiving social contributions. The authority aims to build a cohesive community by uniting public, private, and civil society efforts to support projects that address critical social priorities in health, education, the environment, infrastructure, and social services.
Source: Zawya
