King Abdulaziz University Contributes to Developing the Tourism Sector Through Its Participation in "Jeddah Hackathon"

King Abdulaziz University, represented by its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, took part in the "Jeddah Cultural and Entertainment Tourism Hackathon", held at Jeddah Chamber's headquarters from November 22 to 23. The event is part of efforts to support Jeddah's tourism experience and boost young people's role in developing innovative entrepreneurial projects that align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and strengthen the tourism sector.

A Platform for Creativity and Innovation

The hackathon attracted entries from local university students across various disciplines, who presented creative ideas contributing to:

  • Developing innovative tourism tours: relying on advanced technology and interactive experiences.
  • Creating cultural and entertainment events: reflecting Saudi heritage in appealing ways.
  • Integrating technology into tourism: such as virtual reality applications and smart technologies to improve the tourist experience.

The Hackathon's Main Tracks

The program focused on three main tracks:

  1. The Interactive Garden: aiming to create a tourist landmark combining technology and entertainment for an enjoyable, innovative experience.
  2. The Pulse of Jeddah: dedicated to improving the local tourism experience and attracting Saudi visitors for a distinctive cultural experience.
  3. Jeddah Through Global Eyes: targeting international tourists by improving tourism services and creating appealing ideas that promote exploration of Saudi heritage and culture.

Goals of the Program

  • Encouraging entrepreneurship: supporting young people in turning their ideas into entrepreneurial projects that help develop the tourism sector.
  • Institutional integration: strengthening cooperation between universities and cultural institutions to achieve tourism development goals.
  • Strengthening cultural identity: showcasing Jeddah's cultural heritage in a modern and innovative way.

The Role of King Abdulaziz University

King Abdulaziz University's participation stood out through its support for students, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed for innovation in tourism. Students presented innovative projects reflecting their ability to blend heritage with modern technology, reinforcing the university's standing as one of the leading educational institutions supporting entrepreneurship.

Boosting Tourism Under Saudi Vision 2030

This hackathon is a significant step toward achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on strengthening the economy and diversifying income sources by supporting tourism. It also contributes to turning Jeddah into a comprehensive tourist destination that meets the expectations of local and international visitors.