Athar+ Unveils HACK4IMPACT to Enhance Family Wellbeing

ABU DHABI — Athar+, the pioneering social impact hub in Abu Dhabi managed by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, has officially announced the launch of its second edition of the HACK4IMPACT hackathon. This community-oriented initiative aims to foster innovative solutions addressing the pressing social issues families face today.

Set for 16 to 18 June 2026 at Athar+, this three-day gathering will unite entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals, students, and community advocates to collaborate on actionable ideas that aim to generate substantial social impact in Abu Dhabi.

This year’s hackathon aligns with the UAE's Year of Family, focusing on enhancing family wellbeing through creative and scalable solutions. Participants will explore three critical challenge areas affecting families: fortifying family structures, boosting financial wellness for parents, and aiding families caring for elderly members.

HACK4IMPACT encourages participants to translate ideas into practicable solutions addressing real-world challenges. The well-structured program includes a design-thinking framework where participants will identify problems, validate concepts, create prototypes, and ultimately present their innovations to a judging panel of experts.

Beyond the hackathon competition, participants will have the chance to nurture their projects within Athar+’s expansive social innovation ecosystem. High-potential ideas may receive additional mentorship, support, and incubation, helping innovators evolve initial concepts into sustainable ventures that can benefit Abu Dhabi communities.

This initiative embodies Athar+’s broader mission to promote social entrepreneurship and empower individuals in addressing community challenges. By uniting diverse professionals, academics, and cultural backgrounds, the program aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative problem-solving.

The hackathon is also a welcoming platform for young innovators and first-time entrepreneurs aiming to positively impact society through community-focused ventures. Participants will gain expert guidance, mentorship, and specialized support to refine their ideas and enhance their innovative skills.

His Excellency Salem AlShamsi, Executive Director of Social Incubation and Contracting at Ma’an, remarked that this initiative showcases Athar+’s dedication to equipping innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs with tools to tackle societal challenges and improve community quality of life.

“HACK4IMPACT symbolizes Athar+’s commitment to empowering creators and aspiring entrepreneurs to design practical solutions addressing vital social priorities, enhancing community quality of life. By supporting emerging talent through Athar+, we bolster Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional hub for social entrepreneurship, aligning with our vision for nurturing a culture of giving, participation, and tangible social progress,” AlShamsi stated.

He emphasized that the initiative bolsters national strategies aimed at enhancing family wellbeing, social resilience, and community unity through collaborative innovation and inclusive participation.

Participants will also have access to Athar+’s dedicated workspaces, professional services, customized development programs, and Abu Dhabi’s expanding entrepreneurship ecosystem, aimed at translating promising ideas into viable solutions that create significant social impact.

As Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its role as a hub for social innovation and entrepreneurship, HACK4IMPACT 2026 is anticipated to inspire new ideas that support families, reinforce communities, and contribute to enduring social development across the emirate.