iOS Design Challenge
2024 - 2025
UAE National Identity
The iOS Design Challenge is a national initiative for all students aged 13 – 18 created by Sandooq Al Watan in partnership with Apple Professional Learning Specialists to develop the UAE’s next generation of app developers.
Ready to make your mark?
iOS Design Challenge 2024 - 2025
Get ready to dive into an exciting challenge where you can unleash your creativity, explore new design concepts, and learn app development—all while celebrating the UAE’s rich culture and values! Whether you’re a coding pro or just starting out, this competition is open to everyone, on any device.
We Challenge you!
To create an app prototype that captures the essence of UAE National Identity, focusing on Heritage and Values – the core of what it means to be Emirati and part of the UAE. Your app should explore the rich cultural heritage , moral, ethical and economical values, and the importance of Religion and the Arabic Language in shaping the nation’s identity. This challenge invites you to think deeply about the UAE’s journey in preserving its traditions while embracing its Future.
Heritage
Culture
Arabic Language
Religion
Values
Moral and Ethical
Respect
Compassion
Global Understanding
Economic
Resilience
Enterprise
Openness
Timeline
October 2024 - May 2025
Online launch
Sessions
Identity Festival
Sessions
Submission
Winners
Building your team
Your team should comprise of a mix of a maximum of four individuals who can collaborate well together, and have a diverse mix of skills. In the ever-evolving world of technology and design, the ability to adapt and transfer skills across different domains is more valuable than ever. Whether you’re coding a new app, designing an interface, or managing a project, having a diverse set of skills that can be applied in various contexts is crucial. These transferable skills not only make you a versatile team member but also prepare you for the dynamic nature of the tech industry where roles and technologies are constantly changing.
Each team should have members who are able to provide: coding skills, management skills, marketing skills, and UX, UI designing skills.
Top 300 Winners
iOS Design Challenge prepares you for Swift Accelerator. Swift Accelerator awards design winners of the iOS Design Challenge with:
- 180 hours of coding instruction and project work
- A new Mac
- Mentoring (through online and in-person sessions)
- Design and Coding Resources
- Special guest sessions
- Apple Pro-Level Certification
- The opportunity to publish your App on the App Store
Are you a Teacher?
Become an iOS Design Club Leader
2024 - 2025!
As a club leader, you will mentor and guide your teams through app development, helping them stay on track and succeed while exploring UAE National Identity. You will be expected to attend the online sessions and work closely with the students to bring their ideas to life. This year, registration will be conducted exclusively through the club leaders, who will be responsible for registering their teams for the competition.
Club leaders will receive an iOS Design Club Leader Certification and will be invited to the celebration event. They will also have the opportunity to join the Swift Accelerator Program, accompanying their students on their learning journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
This challenge is open to all students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in private and government high schools in the UAE.
Speak to one of your teachers who is interested in leading and mentoring your team. The teacher will handle the registration on your team’s behalf.
Yes, it is free to participate in the iOS Design Challenge. This initiative is fully funded by Sandooq Al Watan and supported by Apple Professional Learning Specialists in the UAE.
Working in teams is highly encouraged but not mandatory. However, if you do not work in a team, you will be expected to ensure you have covered all the tasks that other team members would usually do.
No and there are different roles when forming an app development team from project management to UI/UX design and business. However, you should have someone on your team that is interested in coding.
You will receive all the resources you need through a special learning platform. You will have access to the platform once you are enrolled after your registration. There will also be special online sessions for you and your teacher by Apple Professional Learning Specialists, Apple Distinguished Educators and industry experts.
There is a level of work involved but it you join as a team this will be shared. You will have to complete different milestones. But you will benefit from different skills including:
- Project Management
- UX/UI Design
- Swift Coding Fundamentals
- Critical Thinking
- Creativity
- Entrepreneurship
You will be expected to submit a series of tasks (it’s about 20 hours of work over a few months). You will need to submit a working app prototype on Figma and a pitch video. You will gain extra points if you complete all the work and you will increase your chance of winning.
You will get the opportunity to win a place on Swift Accelerator and other special prizes. Everyone that submits will get a certificate and teachers will be awarded certificates for their participation. Schools with winning teams will be awarded trophies as a special honor.
If you won in a previous year, you are not eligible to win this year.
No. You will be using Apple made apps but they can be accessible online through the web, with an iCloud account.