Saudi Arabia to host biggest ‘Hackathon’ in Middle East

The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones announced the opening of registration for the ‘Hajj Hackathon’, an event that promises to attract leading programmers from around the world to innovatively leverage technology to enrich and enhance the Hajj experience for pilgrims.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, this initiative is just one of the Kingdom’s many efforts under Saudi Vision 2030 to provide the nation’s youth opportunities to become global leaders in technological development.

The ‘Hajj Hackathon’ will be held in August in Jeddah and is expected to attract more than 3,000 developers. Google will offer mentorship and training for participants at the Hackathon.

The Hackathon offers prize awards to the top three participants valued at 2 million Saudi Riyal to transform their ideas into businesses. First place will receive 1,000,000 Saudi Riyal, second place will receive 500,000 Riyal and third place will receive 350,000 Riyal. Additionally, 150,000 Riyal will be awarded as a prize for excellence.