Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund Launches Hackathons Programme to Boost Innovation

Launch of the Tourism Hackathons Programme

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the national enabler for Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, has officially launched the Tourism Hackathons Programme. Registration for this initiative opened on April 28, 2026, as part of TDF’s ongoing commitment to accelerating the development of innovative, entrepreneur-led solutions that bolster the growth of the tourism sector. The programme is organized by TDF Grow, the Fund’s non-financial enablement arm, aiming to translate new ideas into practical solutions that contribute to the national economy in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF, emphasized that the programme reinforces the Fund’s role as a catalyst for innovation in the tourism sector. He stated that TDF is dedicated to empowering Saudi talent to create impactful solutions that enhance services and improve visitor experiences throughout the Kingdom. The Tourism Hackathons will serve as a platform for accelerating promising ideas while connecting them to a broader support ecosystem, ultimately contributing to a more competitive and sustainable tourism sector.

Program Structure and Focus Areas

The hackathons are set to take place in eight cities across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Makkah, Taif, Qassim, Hail, AlUla, Jeddah, and Khobar. This geographical diversity is intended to expand access to talent and innovation nationwide. The programme will focus on several key development areas within the tourism sector, such as accommodation solutions, tourism guiding, supporting services, and experience design.

Specific tracks of the hackathons will cover various domains, including alternative lodging, digital tourism services, transport and booking solutions, as well as rural, cultural, religious, and medical tourism experiences. This comprehensive approach aims to stimulate creativity and practical problem-solving within the industry.

Building on Previous Successes

The launch of the TDF Tourism Hackathons Programme builds on the achievements of previous editions held in 2024 and 2025, which were conducted across six regions: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Al Ahsa, Aseer, and Madinah. These earlier events attracted over 802 registrants and saw participation from more than 533 individuals. The programme successfully supported the development of over 128 startups, facilitated the establishment of more than 50 commercial registrations, and connected emerging ventures with partners through the Tourism Empowerment Programmes.

These initiatives have enabled continued growth and access to funding for promising projects, further solidifying the importance of innovation in enhancing the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tourism Hackathons Programme?

It is an initiative launched by the Tourism Development Fund to foster innovation in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.

When did registration for the hackathons open?

Registration opened on April 28, 2026.

Which cities will host the hackathons?

The hackathons will take place in Riyadh, Makkah, Taif, Qassim, Hail, AlUla, Jeddah, and Khobar.

What areas will the hackathons focus on?

They will focus on accommodation solutions, tourism guiding, supporting services, and experience design.

How many startups were supported in previous editions?

Previous editions supported the development of over 128 startups.