Riyadh Air Launches Android Hackathon to Develop Innovative Travel Technology Solutions

Riyadh Air, in partnership with a group of local Saudi and international entities, has launched the first Global Android Hackathon, aimed at creating smart travel experiences and enhancing digital transformation in the aviation sector with significant prizes in play.

The inaugural hackathon is hosted by Riyadh Air, in collaboration with Jeddah University; IBM; Colleges of Excellence and the Global Technical College of Aviation Sciences. The event serves as a platform for developing advanced technological solutions that will transform the smart travel experience.

The three-day event brought together 52 students from universities across the Kingdom, divided into 13 teams, paired with engineers and experts from local and international organizations, to develop prototypes based on the latest Android technologies, artificial intelligence and connected devices.

The hackathon focuses on four main tracks: health and wellness; gaming and sports; retail and e-commerce and sustainability, with the goal of creating digital solutions that enhance guest comfort and improve the travel experience at every stage. Riyadh Air aims to be a global leader in recognizing and nurturing talent and innovation, in line with its status as a digital native airline.

Riyadh Air is sponsoring valuable prizes for the winning teams and will highlight promising ideas for potential future collaborations or pilot projects that could potentially have a place within its ecosystem. The hackathon themes and innovation challenges are designed by Riyadh Air’s technical teams, aligning with its vision for digital transformation and enhanced customer experience. It will also host the event at its facilities, as well as providing technical support through mentors and experts and access to technical resources to help the participants realise their vision.

Riyadh Air affirms its commitment to empowering youth and developing talent through initiatives that bridge the academic and industrial sectors. "The inaugural Global Android Hackathon is a step towards building the future of aviation and we are delighted to unite these promising talents with our partners to create experiences that redefine the concept of travel,” says Osamah AlNuaiser, SVP of Marketing and Corporate Communications. “This initiative reflects Riyadh Air’s strategic role in supporting the next generation of leaders and innovators, empowering national talent to develop practical and applicable solutions and strengthening partnerships with leading universities, solidifying our position as a hub for innovation and leadership in the global aviation industry.”

This event aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build an innovative knowledge-based economy, reinforcing Riyadh Air’s role in leading development and creating new growth opportunities in the aviation sector.