Muscat: Amidst a competitive atmosphere filled with creativity and innovation spirit, the “Govern It Smartly” Hackathon was launched today, Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Recreation in Salalah. The 48-hour event is organized by the State Financial and Administrative Audit Authority in cooperation with Dhofar Municipality with the participation of a group of young people and those interested in developing digital solutions to promote the principles of governance and transparency in the management of investments across the governorates. This event brings together young minds to formulate innovative ideas and projects that create a positive impact on the sustainable development process.

The hackathon was launched under the patronage of Her Excellency Zahra Mohammed Redha Al Lawati, Deputy Chairman for Audit of Authorities, Investments, and companies, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality. Her Excellency delivered the Authority’s speech in which she stressed the importance of enhancing innovation in the field of governance and investing youth energies in finding digital solutions that contribute to consolidating the principles of transparency and efficiency in the management of investments across the governorates.

The hackathon aims to contribute effectively to the governance of decentralization in the governorates in accordance with the Royal Directives, and in line with the System of Governorates issued by Royal Decree No. (36/2022), as well as in accordance with the national priorities of Oman Vision 2040. It aims to promote innovation in the use of digital solutions to tighten governance on economic decentralization practices, and stimulate youth participation in presenting innovative ideas that keep pace with technology. The hackathon also seeks to transform the winning initiatives into practical and sustainable solutions for the governorates, and promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability among institutions and society, in addition to consolidating the Sultanate of Oman’s global position in the areas of governance, local administration, and community participation.

The launch of the Hackathon “Govern It Smartly” witnessed a distinguished presence of a number of participating youth teams whose specializations varied between technology, management and finance. These teams bring together an elite group of innovators and those interested in developing digital solutions that support governance and promote transparency. The participants also expressed their enthusiasm to present innovations that contribute to raising the level of investment management in the governorates stressing that the hackathon represents an inspiring platform for exchanging experiences and honing their skills in the fields of digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

The hackathon activities will continue under close supervision by carefully selected mentors and evaluators, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for the participating teams. Mentors will guide the teams to develop their ideas and transform them into implementable solutions, while evaluators evaluate these solutions according to clear and transparent criteria, which enhances the quality of outputs and supports the achievement of the hackathon’s objectives.