Umm Al-Qura University, represented by its Institute of Consulting Research and Studies, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has concluded the third phase of the Humanizing the Holy Sites Hackathon, which aimed to develop innovative solutions that enhance the human dimension of the holy sites and achieve environmental and human sustainability.

Wide Participation and Innovative Solutions

The competition saw the participation of 90 teams from various disciplines, spread across three main tracks:

  • Technical track: 55 teams.
  • Architectural track: 23 teams.
  • Awareness and guidance track: 12 teams.

Participants presented innovative concepts and solutions, including architectural designs, smart technologies, and new awareness and guidance methods aimed at improving the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers.

Training Workshops and Professional Support

The third phase of the hackathon included 10 training courses and workshops, in addition to 36 individual and group mentoring sessions delivered by 23 mentors from the faculties of:

  • Engineering and Architecture.
  • Computing.
  • Social Sciences, alongside specialists from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Wide Turnout From Across the Kingdom

The hackathon received 753 registrants from 23 cities across the Kingdom, of whom 525 participants were initially accepted, distributed across the following tracks:

  • Technical track: 278 participants.
  • Architectural track: 143 participants.
  • Awareness and guidance track: 104 participants.

Professional Judging and Promising Outcomes

Seven specialist judges in the Hajj and Umrah sector oversaw the evaluation of the innovative projects, reviewing smart, sustainable solutions aimed at improving the quality of services provided at the holy sites and enhancing the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The Hackathon's Message and Goals

The Humanizing the Holy Sites Hackathon aims to promote the concept of humanizing the holy sites by developing sustainable solutions that are friendly to both people and the environment, relying on innovation and creativity in technology, engineering and awareness. The hackathon reflects the Kingdom's continued efforts to improve the Hajj and Umrah experience, in fulfilment of Saudi Vision 2030.