Ministry of Interior · General Directorate of Passports

Saudi Passports Hackathon 2026

We innovate today to shape tomorrow's passports experience

A technology hackathon building innovative solutions that raise service efficiency and improve the beneficiary experience

You may take part individually or as part of a team of 3 to 5 members.

Innovation Tracks: 3
Members per Team: 3–5
Participation: Individually or in a team
Year: 2026

About the Hackathon

From challenges to applicable solutions

The Passports Innovation Hackathon 2026 is an initiative to develop innovative, applicable technical solutions that improve services and procedures, raise operational efficiency and enhance the quality of the beneficiary experience.

01
Real challenges

Addressing challenges connected to passports services, their procedures and their operations.
02
Applicable solutions

Developing ideas and prototypes that combine innovation, feasibility and implementability.
03
Sustainable institutional impact

Creating solutions that raise service efficiency, improve the beneficiary experience and support continuous development.

Organisers & partners

Organisers and partners

Ministry of Interior

Oversight and institutional support

General Directorate of Passports

Organiser of the hackathon

Tracks

Choose the track that matches your expertise

The competition has three main tracks, each focused on a set of challenges connected to developing passports services. Choose the track that best fits your idea when you register.

Border Security

Solutions that strengthen border security and the efficiency of verification procedures.

Intelligent identity verification Forged document detection Proactive risk analysis

Traveller Experience

Solutions that improve the traveller journey through the border crossing.

Reducing waiting time Proactive digital traveller services Inclusive experience for people with disabilities

Automation & Operational Efficiency

Solutions using automation and analytics to raise operational efficiency.

Automating administrative procedures Forecasting operational load Command dashboards and analytics

Timeline

The journey from registration to final pitch

1
Registration

Submit your application individually or as part of a team, and choose the track you wish to compete in.
2
Screening

Applications are reviewed, and qualifying teams are notified by email.
3
Hackathon Days

Intensive working and development sessions, supported and mentored by technical and domain specialists.
4
Final Pitch

Qualifying teams present their solutions and prototypes to the jury, then the results and winners are announced.

Detailed dates will be announced later.

Prizes

Three places in every track

The hackathon offers an integrated prize structure covering the top three places in each of the three tracks, combining financial recognition with real institutional development opportunities — reflecting the General Directorate of Passports' commitment to encouraging innovation and supporting solutions that can be adopted.

Second

Second place

A financial prize
Official certificates of appreciation

First

First place

A financial prize
Official certificates of appreciation
The opportunity to develop the solution within the digital transformation initiative

Third

Third place

A financial prize
Official certificates of appreciation

The three places are awarded in each track according to the final judging results.

FAQ

Everything you need to know about the hackathon

Answers to the main questions about taking part and registering. If your question is not answered here, you can contact us.

1 Who can take part in the hackathon?

The hackathon is open to developers, designers, data specialists and entrepreneurs who are passionate about building innovative solutions for the sector. There is no restriction on nationality or place of residence unless stated otherwise in the terms.

2 Is participation remote or on-site?

The first stage runs remotely. The final stage and the awards ceremony are held on-site in Riyadh for the shortlisted teams.

3 Is a team required in order to register?

No. You can register as an individual and we will help you join a team, or register with your existing team of up to 5 members.

4 Is registration in the hackathon free?

No. Taking part in the hackathon is completely free of charge.

5 Who owns the intellectual property of the solutions?

Your work remains your intellectual property. By taking part you grant the organizers a non-exclusive licence to showcase it for promotional purposes with attribution. Full details are in the intellectual property policy shown during registration.

6 What must be prepared before the hackathon?

Nothing beyond your own tools. The challenges are announced at the start of the hackathon, and building before that is not permitted.

7 Which language is approved for the presentation?

You may present in Arabic or English. Both are accepted by the jury.

8 How are submissions evaluated?

The jury assesses innovation, technical feasibility, impact on the beneficiary journey, and the quality of the prototype and its presentation.

Still have a question?

The hackathon team is ready to answer your questions about registration and participation.

Ready to turn your idea into a solution?

Start your journey in the Passports Innovation Hackathon 2026 and help build solutions that make an impact.