His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, attended the closing ceremony of the Hajj and Umrah Health Innovation Hackathon, organized by the Second Jeddah Health Cluster in cooperation with the “Let’s Take the Initiative” volunteer and community partnership program in Jeddah. This significant event culminated in a new global achievement for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Also present were Dr. Meshal bin Mesfer Al-Sayyali, Director of the Ministry of Health branch in Jeddah, Dr. Shadi Al-Khayyat, CEO of the Second Jeddah Health Cluster, and a number of representatives from government and private entities.
A global achievement in the Guinness Book of Records
The closing ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem upon the arrival of His Royal Highness the Governor, followed by a visual presentation showcasing the hackathon's key milestones and achievements since its inception. In a historic moment reflecting the Kingdom's leadership in organizing major events, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Jalawi received the official Guinness World Records certificate, recognizing the event as the "World's Largest Health Innovation Hackathon." This record-breaking achievement is a culmination of the collaborative efforts between the health and community sectors to enhance innovation in serving pilgrims.
A strategic context that aligns with Vision 2030
This hackathon is being organized as part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, particularly those related to the Guests of God program. The Kingdom aims to increase capacity and improve services for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, with healthcare being a cornerstone of this system. This event reflects the focus on investing in national talent and expertise to develop innovative technological and healthcare solutions that facilitate the pilgrims' journey and ensure their health and safety amidst large gatherings.
Innovation pathways and the development of high-quality solutions
The hackathon's primary goal was to leverage creativity and technology to develop high-quality, sustainable healthcare solutions, with a focus on empowering national talent and fostering a culture of social responsibility. Participants competed across four main innovation tracks covering all aspects of healthcare:
- Innovation in health products: Developing medical devices and equipment to serve pilgrims.
- Innovation in health services: Improving the mechanisms for providing care and treatment.
- Innovation in improving the health experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers: facilitating access to services and reducing waiting times.
- Innovation in health media: Spreading health awareness in innovative and effective ways.
Expected impact and future of healthcare
The significance of this event extends beyond simply setting records; it encompasses the anticipated practical impact of these innovations. The solutions generated by the hackathon will contribute to addressing traditional health challenges during Hajj and Umrah seasons, such as managing crowds effectively, preventing infectious diseases, and providing rapid first aid. Furthermore, this event reinforces Jeddah's position as a regional hub for digital and health innovation, and opens doors for entrepreneurs and startups to invest in the health technology (healthtech) sector.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Governor of Jeddah honored the winners of the top positions in the various tracks, praising the quality of the submitted projects. The participating and supporting entities that contributed to the success of this global event were also honored.
