🚪 Entrance

The moment I saw the Hajj Hackathon announcement — just 14 days before the event — I felt it.
"This is the one. This is why I’ve been preparing."

A challenge with impact. A chance to serve over 2 million pilgrims — and make a real difference.
I registered as an individual. No team, no idea locked yet — just drive, curiosity, and commitment.

Tip #1: The mission matters more than the prize.

📚 14 Days of Preparation

Even before I received confirmation from the organizers, I started my research.
What are the real struggles Hajjis face?
How do emergencies get handled in massive crowds?
Could technology help save a life?

I gathered data, mapped real user flows, sketched ideas on whiteboards — and yes, I also Googled “how to win a hackathon” just to keep my head in the game.

Tip #2: Preparation beats hesitation. Start before you’re ready.

💥 The Hustle to Arrive

• Sudden schedule issue at work — missed my first flight
• Rebooked another — landed late at Jeddah
• Barely made it onto the last shuttle to the venue
• Last to register that night — tired but fired up

Tip #3: If something matters, don’t let logistics stop you.

🎬 First Day – Team Onboarded

I arrived early, skipping the official transport.
Met the team — skilled developers, a business thinker, and me leading product/UX/UI.

I shared an idea:
💡 A platform to help Hajjis send emergency requests with their exact location.
The team clicked. We brainstormed. A mentor confirmed: “You’re on the right track.”

Tip #4: Bring a vision that others can believe in.
Tip #5: Be open to shaping it with the team.

🛠 From Concept to Code

Once we aligned, we moved fast.
I designed early wireframes. Developers built the mobile app and responder dashboard.
Backend supported real-time requests.

I focused on UI, user flows, and escalation logic.

The venue setup was perfect — mentors, internet, open space, energy.

Tip #6: Before diving into code, align on flows, roles, and outcomes.

⏰ Presentation Day

No sleep. Final touches. Submission done.
Switched gears to prep the pitch:

Simple scenario:
A pilgrim in distress → One tap for help → Instant location → Fast response.

Tip #7: Don’t just demo — tell a story.

🎭 The Final Stretch

We didn’t place in the Top 3.
But we built something real:
A working prototype. A team. A vision.

Among 700+ teams — we stood tall.
Tip #8: Not every win comes with a trophy. Some wins are in the journey.

📌 Reflection

Hajj Hackathon wasn’t just building an app.
It was clarity in chaos, teamwork in tension, purpose in action.

From start to finish — a rollercoaster of challenge, leadership, and meaning.

"Hackathons aren’t about coding fast. They’re about building what matters most — when it matters most."