At Jeddah Center for Forums and Events (JCFE), the “Hajj Hackathon” activities were finalized on Saturday, 22nd Dhulqe’dah 1439H (4th August 2018), night. The Hackathon was attended by more than 2950 contestants from around the world. It was concluded by awarding the top ranking projects of the participating teams. This was in the presence of Mr. Saud bin Abdullah Al Qahtani, the advisor at the royal court and Chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), as well as several national and international figures. In this regard, the “Turjuman” Application won the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia the first prize of (1,000,000 SAR). The second prize of (500,000 SAR) went to the application entitled, “Mahfazat Hajj.” In the third rank was “Ro’a” Application with (350,000 SAR), while the application of “Electronic Camp Management and Pilgrim Grouping” won the prize for excellence of (150,000 SAR).
It should be noted that the “Hajj Hackathon” is held within the framework of the Kingdom’s annual efforts to serve pilgrims. It also aims to motivate young technical talents highlighted by the participation of programmers in the exploration and development of Hajj seasons’ techniques. This is within the framework of the Kingdom’s commitment to spur the innovative atmosphere and reach regional and global leadership in the domains of technology. This is also in the interest of supporting and providing diverse opportunities for young potential, and achieving the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.   
It is worth mentioning that the “Turjuman App” team comprised Saudi girls who excellently deserved the first rank following a fierce competition versus 9 teams in the final round of the Hackathon. The 1,000,000 SAR winning project included the instant translation of a number of codes and instruction signs for pilgrims in Makkah and the Holy Places in a language of choice without the need for an internet connection. On the other hand, the Egyptian team that won the second prize presented the “Mahfazat Hajj App” (Pilgrim’s Wallet). The app provided pilgrims with payment methods in different currencies, in addition to the money transfer feature. Moreover, the Algerian “Ro’a” (Visions) App which ranked third aimed to transfer and document the feelings of pilgrims during Hajj days for the whole world. Besides, the “I 007” Kuwaiti team won the prize for excellence through an application that managed camps electronically.  
It should be noted that the “Hajj Hackathon” is held within the framework of the Kingdom’s annual efforts to serve pilgrims. It also aims to motivate young technical talents highlighted by the participation of programmers in the exploration and development of Hajj seasons’ techniques. This is within the framework of the Kingdom’s commitment to spur the innovative atmosphere and reach regional and global leadership in the domains of technology. This is also in the interest of supporting and providing diverse opportunities for young potential, and achieving the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.   
(SPA – Newspapers) - KSA