Gallery: Thousands of techies gather for first Hajj Hackathon

More than 3,000 software developers and 18,000 computer and information-technology enthusiasts from more than 100 countries will take part in Hajj Hackathon, to be held in Jeddah from August 1 to 3. The event will be the Middle East's largest of its kind.

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The hackathon is organised by the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), an initiative that seeks to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Kingdom’s ‘Vision 2030’ national economic development and diversification strategy.

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The hackathon will attract leading programmers from around the world and challenge them to use technology and innovation to enrich the experience for about 2 million Hajj pilgrims who travel to Saudi Arabia each year.

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This event illustrates the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a regional and global leader in technical innovation and developing both an environment and infrastructure that benefits the nation’s young people.

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SAFCSP is offering cash prizes to the top three participants, amounting to a total of SAR2,000,000 to transform their ideas into application-based solutions.

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The first winner will receive SAR1,00,000. The second prize carries a reward of SAR500,000 and the third SAR350,000. Additionally,SAR150,000 will be given out as a prize for excellence.

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The competition includes areas related to the Hajj including food health, finance, transport, travel, accommodation, communications and crowd management. The event will be supported by Google.