Jeddah: The Hajj Logistics Hackathon, organized by Jeddah University in partnership with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, kicked off yesterday as part of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, bringing together a select group of programmers, innovators, and Saudi university students to showcase creative solutions in technology and smart services. The goal is to design digital tools that enhance the logistics system during the Hajj season.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the hackathon seeks to foster technological innovation to better serve pilgrims and improve the efficiency of transportation, supply chain management, and smart service systems. The first day witnessed strong participation from government agencies, universities, and private-sector organizations, creating a dynamic and competitive environment. Participants formed teams to address specific challenges related to smart transportation, crowd management, healthcare services, environmental sustainability, the digital pilgrim experience, and smart supply chains within the holy sites.

The program also features a series of specialized interactive workshops focused on challenge analysis, technical problem formulation, market and beneficiary research, user interface design, and presentation and pitching skills before the judging panel. The hackathon is expected to result in the creation of a national database of technical talent in the field of smart logistics and to strengthen Jeddah University’s position as a national hub for technological innovation. It also highlights the vital role of Saudi universities in promoting innovation and developing creative solutions that serve the pilgrims and enhance the overall Hajj experience.