Jeddah set to host the biggest ‘Hackathon’ in the Middle East

From August 1-3, Jeddah will play host to more than 3,000 developers and 18,000 computer, information and technology enthusiasts from more than 100 countries, as part of the Hajj Hackathon. (SPA)
Updated 25 July 2018
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Jeddah set to host the biggest ‘Hackathon’ in the Middle East

  • Google will support the Hajj Hackathon providing mentorship and training
  • The Hajj Hackathon is being organized by The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones

JEDDAH: From August 1-3, Jeddah will play host to more than 3,000 developers and 18,000 computer, information and technology enthusiasts from more than 100 countries, as part of the Hajj Hackathon, which promises to be the Middle East’s largest hackathon ever.
Google will support the Hajj Hackathon providing mentorship and training.
The Hajj Hackathon is being organized by The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, an initiative fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Kingdom’s sweeping and groundbreaking Vision 2030, which seeks to provide new and valuable opportunities to the nation’s young people.
The Hajj Hackathon will attract leading programmers from around the world and challenge them to innovatively leverage technology to enrich the Hajj experience for the more than 2 million pilgrims that travel to Saudi Arabia every year.
The event illustrates the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a regional and global leader in technical innovation, developing both an environment and infrastructure that benefits the nation’s young people.
The SAFCSP is offering prize awards to the top three participants valued at SR2,000,000 ($533,000) to transform their ideas into real businesses.
First place will receive SR1,000,000, second place will receive SR500,000 and third place will receive SR350,000.
Additionally, SR150,000 will be awarded as a prize for excellence.
The competition includes several fields related to the Hajj and its services such as beverage and meals, health, financial solutions, transportation, crowd management, traffic control, travel and accommodation, waste management, housing and communication solutions.


Rare exhibits on display at King Abdulaziz Palace

Updated 30 January 2026
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Rare exhibits on display at King Abdulaziz Palace

  • The piece reflects the precision of traditional craftsmanship and its social symbolism tied to strength and horsemanship

RIYADH: Exhibits on display at the King Abdulaziz Palace in the historic village of Laynah highlight rich aspects of human history and environmental change in the Arabian Peninsula as part of a series of palace activation events organized by the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority during the Darb Zubaida Winter Season.

The exhibits feature rare historical artifacts carrying cultural and scientific significance that document different lifestyles and environmental shifts in the region over the centuries.

Among the most notable pieces is a traditional rifle crafted from natural wood and fitted with a handwoven leather strap, historically used for hunting and protection.

The piece reflects the precision of traditional craftsmanship and its social symbolism tied to strength and horsemanship.

The authority stated that the palace welcomes visitors daily until Feb. 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., as part of unified tourism programs aimed at organizing visitor flow and providing opportunities to explore historical sites in a safe and engaging environment.