Saudi Arabia Launches Tourism Hackathons in 8 Cities
Saudi Arabia is inviting entrepreneurs across eight cities to compete in hackathons that turn tourism ideas into real businesses. The program has already helped create over 50 new companies and connected hundreds of startups with funding.
Saudi Arabia is betting on its brightest minds to transform how the world experiences travel in the kingdom.
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) just opened registration for its Tourism Hackathons Program, inviting innovators in eight cities to develop solutions that make tourism better for everyone. Registration starts April 28, 2026, and the program welcomes anyone with ideas to improve how visitors experience Saudi Arabia.
The hackathons will take place in Riyadh, Makkah, Taif, Qassim, Hail, AlUla, Jeddah, and Khobar. Each event challenges participants to solve real problems in accommodation, tour guiding, booking systems, and visitor experiences across religious, cultural, and medical tourism.
"We are committed to strengthening the tourism innovation ecosystem by introducing initiatives that empower entrepreneurs," said Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF. The fund supports these startups without requiring repayment, offering mentorship and connections instead of traditional loans.
The program isn't just theoretical. Previous editions in 2024 and 2025 attracted more than 802 registrants and helped launch 128 startups. More than 50 of those ideas became registered businesses, and many connected with partners who provided continued support and funding.
The Ripple Effect
This initiative does more than create apps and services. It's building an entire generation of Saudi entrepreneurs who understand their country's unique tourism needs, from alternative lodging in remote areas to digital guides that enhance cultural understanding.
The hackathons align with Saudi Vision 2030, the kingdom's plan to diversify its economy beyond oil. By spreading events across eight cities instead of concentrating them in major hubs, the program ensures talent from smaller communities gets the same opportunities as entrepreneurs in Riyadh or Jeddah.
Participants work on practical challenges like improving rural tourism experiences, creating better booking platforms for religious pilgrimages, and designing services that connect international visitors with authentic local culture. The best ideas receive ongoing support through TDF's Tourism Empowerment Programs, which help founders navigate regulations, find customers, and secure investment.
The next generation of Saudi tourism is being built right now, one hackathon at a time.
Based on reporting by Regional: saudi arabia development (SA)
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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