Huawei, in partnership with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE), has officially launched the 10th edition of the Huawei Middle East & Central Asia ICT Competition at GITEX Global 2025. The landmark event also marked a renewed commitment from the global tech giant to develop one million digital talents across the region over the next decade, significantly bolstering the area’s digital transformation journey.
A Decade of Talent Development
Since its inception, the Huawei ICT Competition has evolved into one of the largest and most influential talent development platforms in the Middle East and Central Asia. Over the past nine editions, the initiative has successfully engaged 19 countries, partnered with over 800 universities, and reached more than 140,000 students. This extensive reach underscores its role in building a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to fuel the region’s rapidly growing digital economies.
Fostering Innovation and Practical Skills
The 10th edition of the competition is structured to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical application through two distinct categories. The Practice Competition is designed to strengthen participants’ technical expertise across three critical tracks: Network, Computing, and Cloud. Meanwhile, the Innovation Competition will challenge students to develop creative AI-driven applications that solve real-world problems, encouraging a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the region’s youth.
From Regional Competition to Global Opportunities
Participants will first compete in national rounds before advancing to regional finals. Top performers will not only be recognized with premium prizes, including Huawei MateBooks, MatePads, and smartwatches, but will also earn a trip to China for the Global Final. More importantly, exceptional talents will be invited to join Huawei’s Eagle Talent Program, which provides a direct pathway to internships and priority employment opportunities, effectively bridging the gap between academia and industry.
A Shared Vision for a Digital Future
The enduring partnership between Huawei and UNESCO IITE is built on a shared commitment to accessible and inclusive digital education. Ekaterina Pushkareva, Programme Specialist at UNESCO IITE, praised the initiative, stating, “The Huawei ICT Competition reflects the values we share with Huawei: engaging young people, bridging digital divide, and ensuring that innovation is inclusive and accessible.”
Cong Liang, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for Huawei Middle East & Central Asia, highlighted the competition’s impact. “Over the past decade, the Huawei ICT Competition has grown into a massive platform that empowers young people to transform their potential into real impact,” he commented. “Building skills in cloud, AI and other advanced and emerging technologies has never been more important today.”
About Huawei ICT Competition
The Huawei ICT Competition is an annual global initiative aimed at fostering a healthy ICT talent ecosystem. It serves as a comprehensive platform that integrates teaching, learning, and innovation for university students worldwide. By collaborating with educational institutions and international organizations, the competition seeks to enhance students’ technical knowledge, practical skills, and innovative capabilities, preparing them to become leaders in the digital era.
Source: MEATechWatch
