The College of Information Technology at United Arab Emirates University launched the 9^th National Information Technology Marathon on Thursday 28^th of April 2016.  It was held in the theater of the Information Technology building in Al Ain in the presence of Dr. Mohammed Albiali, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Scientific Affairs, a number of faculty members and more than 300 talented students from 85 state schools.

Dr. Mohammed Albiali stressed during the Marathon’s opening that the event comes within the University's eagerness to nourish the community with projects and scientific studies in all critical areas needed in the UAE. The university is building partnerships with prestigious educational institutions regionally and internationally to achieve scientific integration.  Dr. Albiali noted that the College's annual Marathon is a great opportunity for university students and schools to benefit from the experiences of each other, and to display their achievements and projects in the field of information technology.

Dr. Omar al Gayar, Dean of College of Information Technology, pointed out that this marathon is intended to inculcate the values of creativity and innovation in students.  This is facilitated by informing them about the latest projects and innovations in information technology.   Dr. Gayar emphasized the role of this event in discovering the talents of young people and creating an incubator environment for many creative ideas.

The marathon events in this year's ninth edition included an opening act for an introductory film about the College of Information Technology prepared by the students. It also included four major contests which were; IT showcase, IT4Kids, IT4Kids “Smart World” and IT4Kids Special Needs, the events were concluded at the end of the day by honoring the winners of all contests.