SUHAR, FEB 23
In a major international achievement for Omani innovation, students from Sohar University secured first place at the Intelligent Planet Hackathon in Saudi Arabia with their project ‘Manara,’ an AI-powered platform designed to enhance crowd safety at large-scale gatherings.
The team emerged as the top winner after competing against more than 500 teams and 2,000 innovators from over 200 universities across 45 countries, making it one of the most competitive global hackathons in the field of smart technologies. Notably, the Sohar University team was the only finalist representing the Sultanate of Oman.
'Manara' impressed judges with its forward-thinking approach to crowd management. The AI-driven system shifts event safety strategies from reactive monitoring to predictive prevention, using advanced machine-learning algorithms to forecast crowd density changes and potential risks 15 to 60 minutes in advance.
This early-warning capability can help authorities prevent dangerous situations such as stampedes, heat-related emergencies, or logistical disruptions during mega gatherings, including major religious pilgrimages and global events.
The platform functions through two integrated systems: a smart control dashboard for authorities and event organisers, and a 'Personal Guardian' mobile application that provides real-time guidance to visitors. Using a composite risk analysis model, Manara simultaneously evaluates crowd density, air quality and extreme heat conditions, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.
Team spokesperson Khalsa al Jahwari said the recognition reflects the growing global potential of young innovators from Oman.
“Winning first place globally is not only a victory for our team, but for Oman,” she said. “We envisioned Manara as more than a technical project — it is a humanitarian solution designed to protect lives. This achievement proves that Omani youth can compete at the highest international levels in artificial intelligence and innovation.”
Judges praised the project’s strong conceptual foundation and real-world applicability, describing it as a promising model for future smart city technologies. Beyond safety, the system could also generate economic benefits by reducing waiting times, improving crowd movement, and supporting a religious tourism economy valued at more than $40 billion.
The win marks a significant milestone for Omani academia and innovation, highlighting the expanding global footprint of the country’s young talent in artificial intelligence and technology-driven solutions.
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