In 1998, the event began as The Arab & North Africa Regional Contest (ANARC), hosted by Al Akhawayn University in Morocco. Eight universities from four countries participated, marking the start of a dynamic competition.
Over time, the Arab Collegiate Programming Contest grew significantly in participation and representation. The 2007 contest had 45 teams from nine countries at The Arab Academy for Science and Technology in Egypt. In 2012, Jordan's Princess Sumaya University hosted 91 teams for the fifteenth contest. In 2013, The Arab Academy for Science and Technology in Egypt saw a record 105 teams in the sixteenth contest.
The competition now boasts over 12,000 participants, showcasing the dedication of universities and students across Africa and the Arab regions for competitive programming and problem-solving.
