FTA organises "Tax Hackathon" to foster innovation in the tax sector through AI technologies
H.E. Khalid Al Bustani: "The Hackathon is an inspiring platform that offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of digital taxation."
Abu Dhabi: As part of the UAE Innovation Month (UAE Innovates 2025) and the Year of Community, the Federal Tax Authority has announced the organisation of the InnoTAX 2025 AI Hackathon. Held over two days, on 26 and 27 February 2025, at Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai, the hackathon aimed to develop innovative technological solutions to address challenges in the tax sector while fostering collaboration and innovation between the public and private sectors.
During the event, the Authority highlighted the participating projects and innovative technological solutions aimed at leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing to enhance tax services.
Since announcing the Hackathon, the Authority has received a range of projects focused on enhancing the taxpayer experience through artificial intelligence, promoting tax awareness, and applying AI to tax compliance. The Hackathon targeted a diverse group of participants, including developers, AI specialists, designers, and data scientists, as well as university students, researchers, faculty members, entrepreneurs, tax experts, and fintech innovators.
On this occasion, H.E. Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority, stated: "The Authority is committed to actively participating in UAE Innovation Month and the Year of Community, driven by our firm belief that innovation is a fundamental pillar for developing and enhancing the efficiency of the tax sector. This Hackathon reflects our dedication to fostering innovation in taxation by leveraging the latest artificial intelligence technologies and developing innovative technological solutions to address challenges in the sector."
He added: "The Hackathon serves as an inspiring platform that provides participants with a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of digital taxation. Through the innovative ideas and projects presented, we aim to support the advancement of the UAE's tax system."
On the final day of the Hackathon, the Authority received many project submissions. A panel consisting of experts and representatives from the Authority evaluated the proposed projects and solutions, recognising the top three innovative solutions. The evaluation process followed strict criteria, including creativity and innovation, the quality and usability of the solution, and the extent to which the technology utilised artificial intelligence, blockchain, or automation. Additionally, the assessment considered the impact and benefits of the solution, its feasibility and applicability, as well as the clarity, strength, and persuasiveness of the presentation.
About FTA
The Federal Tax Authority was established by Federal Decree-Law No. (13) of 2016 to help diversify the national economy and increase non-oil revenues in the UAE through the management and collection of federal taxes based on international best practices and standards, as well as to provide all means of support to enable taxpayers to comply with the tax laws and procedures. Since its inception in 2017, the FTA has been committed to cooperate with the competent authorities to establish a comprehensive and balanced system to make the UAE one of the first countries in the world to implement a fully electronic tax system that encourages voluntary compliance, with simple procedures based on the highest standards of transparency and accuracy – beginning from registration, to the submission of tax returns, to the payment of due taxes through the Authority's website: www.tax.gov.ae.
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