Global spark AR Challenge comes to Middle East for the first time

Meta has announced the launch of the first global Spark AR Challenge, with the theme “Tomorrow Today – What will the next decade bring?” in collaboration with Coders HQ and the Museum of the Future.

The challenge will encourage creators to design augmented reality effects using the latest Spark AR capabilities to visualize the impact of technology and innovation on future lifestyles, mobility, work, and communication.

Meta, Coders HQ, and the Museum of the Future are calling on the global community of creators and developers to showcase their creativity and innovation for the future through the Spark AR challenge, which was launched for the first time in the Middle East on May 23, and will run until June 17, 2022.

Participants will be challenged to use augmented reality to determine how modern technologies will improve wellbeing in a variety of critical sectors.

Commenting on the launch of the challenge, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, confirmed that the UAE government, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, adopts Artificial Intelligence solutions, modern technology and software to enhance its readiness for the future and explore new opportunities to shape a better future.

“The global Spark AR Challenge that has been organized for the first time in Middle East, keeps pace with the rapid developments in the sectors that are related to human life and driven by modern technology, data and digital solutions. It contributes to simulating innovation, finding viable proactive solutions, and continuous improvement to build a digital economy based on knowledge and innovation”, Al Olama said.

Speaking about the initiative, Fares Akkad, Regional Director for MENA, Meta, said: “We are very excited to launch the first Global Spark AR Challenge hubbed out of the Middle East. With this global Spark AR challenge, we want to bring this diverse community together to envision the future, while also showcasing the value that AR could bring to communities.”

Talking about the developer community, he added: “As Meta builds for the metaverse, the developer and creator community will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the physical, augmented and virtual worlds. Through the challenge, creators across the world will be among the first to experience the transformative potential of the metaverse.”

The challenge will be shaped by two key tracks developed by strategic partners Emirates Airline and Accenture. Participants will be tasked with creating AR effects for Emirates Airline’s ‘Mobility of Tomorrow’ and Accenture’s ‘Opportunities of the Future.’

Winners will have their winning effects featured on the social media pages of Emirates Airline and Accenture. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to win cash prizes totaling more than $50,000.

Meta is also offering participants the chance to brush up on their skills in workshops with two of the top AR developers: Kym Fiala, a Spark AR network partner and the co-founder of Pixel Chefs, a digital agency based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Balraj Bains, a creative designer, project manager and freelance AR Creator based in London, UK, and just before the contest ends, a live Q&A with AR Creators.

The recorded versions are available to view on the Challenge website. Kym will describe his process for creating a World AR Effect, and Balraj will describe her process for creating a Hand & Body Tracking effect with Gijsbert Woulter Wahl and Beth Wickerson. Lenslist will also host an Office Hours event with AR expert Creators, which will include Q&A and fun games.