The hackathon was designed to equip the Palestinian team with the necessary skills to participate in the upcoming international hackathon in the United Arab Emirates. A total of 120 students and professors, both male and female, from various Palestinian universities, including Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, participated in the event. Among the participants was Shahd Lubbada, a talented student from the computer engineering program at An-Najah National University, who distinguished herself by qualifying to be part of the national student team for the quantum computing international hackathon in Abu Dhabi

The first quantum computing national hackathon was inaugurated on March 9, 2023, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology in Ramallah. The event included the participation of distinguished guests such as His Excellency Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology, Ishaq Sidr, and Dr. Mousa Farajallah, Chairman of the Palestinian Computing Committee. The An-Najah University was also well-represented by Dr. Anas Tohme, Dr. Othman Othman, Dr. Bakir Abdel-Haq, and a team of brilliant computer engineering and information technology students. The event was a grand success and provided a platform for participants to showcase their skills and compete with their peers from different universities in Palestine.

Dr. Bakir Abdel-Haq, a faculty member from the Information Technology Department, was selected to lead and train the national team representing Palestine at the quantum computing hackathon in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Microsoft sponsored prizes in the form of fees for computer training courses and exams for international certificates for the participating students, further promoting the growth and development of the region's technology sector.

The hackathon aimed at training participants about the fundamentals of quantum computing and its applications in solving intricate algorithms. Participants put their knowledge to the test by working on developing innovative solutions using quantum computers, with a focus on creating applications for health, education, business, and scientific fields. The ultimate aim was to generate ideas that can benefit society not only in the Arab world but also globally. The event provided a platform for students and professionals to showcase their skills and learn from each other, advancing the development of quantum computing in the region.

The success of An-Najah University student Shahd Lubbada in qualifying for the national student team reflects the commitment of the University to provide its students with the latest knowledge and skills in the field of technology. The University congratulates Shahd Lubbada and wishes her and the national team success in the upcoming hackathon.