Hail, October 24, 2024 — In alignment with Saudi Arabia's initiative to celebrate the Year of the Camel 2024, the Camel Hackathon has been launched at Jada 30 in Hail. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the non-profit private sector, the Camel Club, and the Social Development Bank (SDB), aiming to foster innovation within the camel industry, which holds a significant place in the Kingdom's cultural heritage.
Organized by the Saleh Rakhis Cultural Center, the Camel Hackathon embodies the aspirations of the Kingdom's leadership to enhance the cultural, developmental, and economic dimensions of the camel sector. This initiative underscores the importance of camels as a vital component of Saudi heritage and positions them as key players in the Kingdom's sustainable economic development efforts, all in line with the objectives set forth in Saudi Vision 2030.
The event has attracted a diverse group of entrepreneurs, developers, and experts, with over 600 registered participants and 24 teams selected to showcase their innovative ideas. Participants have benefited from extensive training and qualification sessions led by seasoned experts in entrepreneurship from the SDB, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to the competition.
Eng. Abdullah Al-Rakhis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Saleh Rakhis Cultural Center, highlighted the significance of the Hackathon by announcing prizes totaling SAR 200,000 for the 10 winning teams. This recognition serves to incentivize creativity and collaboration among participants.
Following the Hackathon, the top projects will enter a business accelerator program lasting two months, where five winning projects will receive additional cash prizes. These selected projects will then transition into a nine-month incubation phase at Jada 30, designed to support their sustainability and growth, further contributing to the economic landscape of the region.
Al-Rakhis emphasized that the collaboration among the Saleh Rakhis Cultural Center, the Camel Club, and the SDB aims to implement high-quality initiatives that enhance the Kingdom's cultural heritage, foster developmental opportunities for the community, and create sustainable, quality jobs. This concerted effort aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals of Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the established status of camels as authentic cultural icons and ensuring their continued relevance in modern Saudi society.
As the Year of the Camel unfolds, initiatives like the Camel Hackathon serve as pivotal platforms for innovation and community engagement, celebrating a cherished aspect of Saudi heritage while paving the way for future economic opportunities.
