The UAE's student hackathon & inter-school coding competition
Code Battle: the UAE's student hackathon
An inter-school coding competition and hackathon for Grades 1–12 by iCodejr. Teams build a project in 2 hours and pitch it to industry judges.
5+
Seasons
1,000+
Students Trained
100+
Schools Engaged
500+
Projects Built
What is Code Battle?
Code Battle is the UAE’s leading student hackathon and inter-school coding competition, created and run by iCodejr in Dubai since 2021. Teams from Grades 1 to 12 get a theme on the day, build a project in two hours with block or text-based coding, then present it to industry judges. It inspires creativity, teamwork, real-world problem-solving and next-generation tech skills.
Want a hackathon for your own school, company or event? See Hackathon as a Service.
Algorithm Challenges
Open to Grades 1–12
Block or text-based coding
Team-based challenge
Themes revealed on event day
Judged by industry experts
Hackathon divisions by grade
Compete in the division that matches your grade level
Cadet Division
Grades 1–4
Block-based coding challenges.
Captain Division
Grades 5–8
Block or text-based coding.
Colonel Division
Grades 9–12
Advanced programming & innovation challenges.
How the hackathon works
1
Schools Register Teams
Register your school and assemble your teams
2
Attend Onsite Event
Students arrive at the venue ready to compete
3
Themes Revealed Live
Competition themes announced at the start
4
Build in 2 Hours
Teams code their projects under time pressure
5
Present & Q&A
2–3 minute pitch to industry judges, followed by Q&A
6
Awards Ceremony
Winners announced and celebrated
Past Code Battle competitions
A journey of growth and innovation
Season 2
2022
- 2 chapters: Dubai & Sharjah
- 37 teams in Sharjah
- 11+ schools in Sharjah
Hall of Fame
Celebrating our champions from past years
Team TechStars
GEMS Modern Academy
2025
Colonel
Code Wizards
Dubai Scholars
2025
Captain
Young Coders
DIA Emirates Hills
2025
Cadet
Logic Legends
Gems Winchester School Dubai
2024
Colonel
GFS Tech Titans
GEMS Founders School
2024
Captain
Tech Titans
GEMS Modern Academy Dubai
2024
Cadet
Gem Group
Al Mawakeb School Al Garhoud
2023
Colonel
Decorous
The Indian International School, DSO
2023
Captain
Collision Coders
Winchester School, Jebel Ali
2023
Cadet
Delhi Private School
Sharjah · Sharjah chapter winner
2022
Colonel
Leaders Private School
Sharjah · Sharjah chapter winner
2022
Captain
GEMS Millennium School
Sharjah · Sharjah chapter winner
2022
Cadet
Schools That Battle With Us
100+ schools have participated in Code Battle across seasons
Trusted by UAE’s Leading Schools
Judging Criteria
How projects are evaluated by our industry judges
Scoring Parameters (2025)
Additional Considerations
AI usage evaluation
Recycled code disclosure
Grade-level leniency
Photo & Video Gallery
Relive the moments from Code Battle 2025
- All
- Registration
- Coding in Action
- Teamwork
- Presentations
- Awards Ceremony
Media & Press Coverage
Code Battle 2025 in the news
Sponsors & Partners
Thank you to our amazing sponsors who made Code Battle 2025 possible
Title Sponsors
iCodejr
Venue Sponsors
DTEC
UAE Innovates
42 Abu Dhabi
UAE Innovates
Category Sponsors
UniHawk (Gr 9-12)
Noon
Color Land Toys
BITS Pilani
Skill Hub
Blix
Why Code Battle Matters
Building tomorrow’s innovators today
Real-World STEM Skills
Builds practical coding and technical abilities
Creativity & Logic
Encourages creative problem-solving approaches
Teamwork
Promotes collaboration and communication
Industry Exposure
Connect with judges from leading companies
School Engagement
Strengthens STEM programs across UAE schools
Future Innovators
Inspires the next generation of tech leaders
What Participants Say
“An unforgettable experience that pushed our students to think differently.”
School Principal
GEMS Dubai
“Loved the energy! One of the best STEM events in the UAE.”
Parent
Participant's Parent
“The creativity from the students was incredible.”
Judge
Tech Industry Expert
Ready for the Next Battle?
Join Code Battle 2026!