Smart Makkah Hackathon, organized by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC) in partnership with several supporting entities, has concluded at Makkah, marking a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing digital transformation.
Smart Makkah Hackathon drew wide participation from a diverse range of programmers, developers, technology entrepreneurs, and university students, all coming together from various backgrounds and expertise, as part of efforts to empower young minds, foster creativity, while also encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas that could shape the city’s technological landscape.
The activities began with a comprehensive five-day virtual training camp, which included a series of mentorship programs designed to enhance participants’ technical and creative skills, offering them valuable insights and practical knowledge.
This was followed by an intensive three-day in-person hackathon, where participants had the opportunity to attend specialized workshops and receive hands-on guidance from both local and international experts.
The Smart Makkah Hackathon attracted over 1,000 participants, who submitted more than 260 innovative ideas. Following an initial round of selection, 300 participants were shortlisted to work on 37 diverse technology projects. These projects, developed through collaboration and intense brainstorming, were then presented to a specialized jury for evaluation.
The projects focused on addressing four critical areas essential for the development of a smart city:
Smart Urban Planning: Optimizing the use of space and resources for efficient city development.
Sustainability and Quality of Life: Enhancing environmental responsibility and improving living conditions for residents.
Smart Transportation: Developing solutions to improve mobility and reduce congestion.
Visitor Experience: Transforming the experience for Makkah’s millions of visitors by leveraging technology for smoother, more efficient travel.
CEO of RCMC Eng. Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed affirmed that the Smart Makkah Hackathon reflects the commission’s vision of opening spaces for innovative ideas, aligning technology with the needs of residents and visitors, and accelerating their transformation into actionable initiatives.
He stressed that the quality of the projects presented demonstrates the ability of Saudi talent to build a smarter, more innovative future and to enhance the experience of both Makkah residents and pilgrims.
