Students from King Abdulaziz University claimed both first and second place in the KAUST Hackathon for Technological Innovation and Social Responsibility, hosted by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) over five days. The hackathon brought together students from universities across the Kingdom and featured two tracks: one focused on developing tech-based solutions, and another centered on knowledge-sharing through guided tours and specialized workshops.

First Place: “Mutawar” AI for Smarter Urban Land Use

First place was awarded to a student team from the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology in Rabigh for their project “Mutawar”, a smart system designed to support the Saudi Building Code by reducing the prevalence of underutilized land (white lands) in urban areas.

The system analyzes user-provided land data to generate a 3D model and architectural blueprint fully aligned with regulatory requirements. This facilitates efficient urban development and maximizes land-use potential.

The team members included:

            •           Ziyad Mohammed Ahmed Al-Ghamdi

            •           Ziyad Mohammed Ali Al-Ghamdi

            •           Osama Mohammed Al-Ghamdi

            •           Badr Ghazi Al-Ghamdi

Second Place: “Najat” VR Simulation for Emergency Response

Second place went to the project “Najat”, developed by student Ahmed Rami. This innovative solution uses virtual reality technology to simulate emergency scenarios, such as choking or fainting, allowing users to practice safe, realistic response techniques and improve their readiness for critical situations. The project aims to raise public awareness and preparedness for life-saving actions.

Hackathon with Purpose: Innovation for Social Good

The KAUST Social Responsibility Hackathon, now in its third edition, is part of KAUST’s ongoing mission to empower youth through creativity and collaboration, with a strong focus on real-world, socially impactful outcomes.

Students engaged in intensive training, explored advanced KAUST technologies, and developed solutions aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. The event exemplifies how AI and emerging technologies can be leveraged for meaningful community benefit.

King Abdulaziz University extended its congratulations to the winning students, praising their innovation, technical excellence, and teamwork. The university reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that serve the community and advance national development objectives in alignment with Saudi vision 2030.