Eastern Province hackathon targets better Saudi government services
Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is set to host the Eastern Province Government Innovation Hackathon, organized by the Eastern Province Emirate in partnership with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. The event brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and experts across technology and innovation.
The hackathon begins on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and is held under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province. It aims to encourage Saudi talent to build practical technology solutions that upgrade government services, improve user experience, raise performance levels, and strengthen operational efficiency.
Teams will work collaboratively to develop real-world prototypes that address challenges across the public sector. The focus includes redesigning user journeys across various government services, automating processes, and implementing smart digital solutions. The event also aims to improve internal operations, strengthen coordination among government entities, and accelerate decision-making, saving citizens’ time.
This year’s hackathon includes multiple tracks designed to support entrepreneurship, expand innovation within institutions and community bodies, speed up the shift toward a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia, and promote sustainable business models. The tracks are also positioned to improve services delivered across health, social, education, and economic sectors.
The Eastern Province Government Innovation Hackathon is framed as part of broader initiatives supporting institutional innovation, with participation spanning government entities, academia, and Saudi youth talent. The program is designed to provide a space for exchanging ideas and turning them into solutions that raise the quality of government services.
Organizers described the hackathon as an opportunity for participants to present new, high-impact solutions and contribute to more efficient government experiences. Winning teams are expected to receive recognition awards for the most innovative solutions.
