Muscat: A ceremony was held at Oman Across Ages Museum, in the Wilayat of Manah, to felicitate projects that emerged as winners in Al Waqf First Hackathon themed 'Innovation and Sustainability'.
According to Oman News Agency, The hackathon had been organized by the Department of Endowments and Religious Affairs in the Governorate of A'Dakhiliyah, in partnership with A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, Oman Across Ages Museum, the University of Nizwa and Ma'een Endowment Foundation.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Mohammed bin Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs.
The hackathon saw the participation of 30 teams representing the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Nizwa branch, the Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences, the University of Nizwa and Oman Health College
The hackathon aimed to make optimum use of innovation and modern technologies in developing endowment initiatives.
The participating projects focused into the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to upgrade the work of 'Awqaf' (endowments), establish smart platforms for the management and documentation of endowments and using blockchain technology to enhance transparency and governance.
In a speech at the ceremony, Dr. Said bin Ghalib Al Nu'mani, Director of the Endowments and Religious Affairs Department in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, said that the hackathon marks a milestone in integrating innovation into the endowment operational system, using prudent investment to maximize endowment resources and leveraging partnerships to devise sustainable solutions.
The ceremony included the opening of an exhibition showcasing participating projects and a video presentation featuring the hackathon's stages of implementation.
The winning projects were listed as follows:
A project titled "Fahwa Digital", from the University of Nizwa, won first place in the Knowledge Category. The project is a digital endowment platform for smart reading that combines borrowing with the purchase of books in digital, printing and audio formats.
A project named "Rawafid", from UTAS, Nizwa branch, won first place in the Investment Category. It is an integrated digital platform connecting investors, developers and regulatory bodies within a unified investment environment.
A project named "Rasikh", from UTAS, Nizwa branch, won 3rd place in the Technical Category. It is an integrated digital system for mosque management, focusing on organizing periodic maintenance, managing services and linking mosque managers with and technicians through a unified digital platform.
A project titled "Omani Fatwa Documentation", from UTAS, Nizwa branch, won 4th place. It aims to establish a reliable national digital reference that compiles historical and contemporary Omani 'fatwas' (religious rulings) and documenting the 'fatwas' in a scholarly and systematic manner.
A project named "Midad Al Waqf", presented by the Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences, won 5th place. It aims to develop innovative technology-driven solutions that ensure the sustainability and financial potential of endowment assets.
It is worth noting that 'Al Waqf First Hackathon' was organized with a view to fostering integration among government, academic and endowment institutions. The initiative also consolidates community partnerships in support of the endowment sector, promotes innovation, connects youth with academic sector and encourages participants to convert their ideas into viable projects.
