Pharmathon 2026 launched in Mecca: A pharmaceutical innovation to serve the pilgrims
Makkah witnessed the launch of the second edition of the Pharmathon 2026, a pharmaceutical forum and hackathon organized by Umm Al-Qura University, represented by its College of Pharmacy, under the theme "Excellence in Pharmaceutical Healthcare to Serve the Pilgrims." The event, held under the patronage of His Excellency the University President, Professor Dr. Maadi bin Mohammed Al-Mathhab, took place at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce from February 3rd to 5th, 2026, and was attended by a significant number of experts and specialists.
A platform for innovation in serving the pilgrims
This unique event serves as a specialized scientific and professional platform, bringing together leading healthcare practitioners, academics, and entrepreneurs in the pharmaceutical sector. The forum primarily aims to foster a culture of innovation and develop smart pharmaceutical solutions and health technologies that support the services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. This event is of paramount importance given the specific timing and location of the Hajj and Umrah seasons, which necessitate innovative healthcare solutions for managing crowds and ensuring the safety of visitors. This aligns perfectly with the objectives of the "Serving the Guests of God Program," one of the ambitious programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Scientific events and specialized competitions
The forum's scientific program was characterized by its comprehensiveness and diversity, as it included a range of intensive activities that included:
- Scientific dialogue sessions: 10 accredited sessions discussing the latest developments in digital pharmacy and drug management.
- Practical workshops: 15 specialized workshops aimed at refining the skills of practitioners.
- Competitions and hackathons: The most prominent are the “Pharmatation” competition and the “Capsule” hackathon, which focuses on creating technological solutions to pharmaceutical challenges.
- Accompanying exhibition: To showcase the latest technologies and scientific research posters.
The event attracted diverse groups including recent graduates, talented individuals, and innovators, providing a fertile environment for knowledge exchange and building strategic partnerships between the academic and private sectors.
These figures reflect the scale of the demand and the impact
In a statement, Dr. Sharaf Ezzat Al Sharaf, a faculty member at the College of Pharmacy and owner of the "Pharmathon" brand, explained that the second edition of the forum reaffirms Umm Al-Qura University's leading role in supporting research and innovation. He revealed impressive figures reflecting the forum's success, with over 1,000 applicants from 10 different cities across the Kingdom participating in the challenges and competitions, and 70 teams competing to present the best innovative solutions.
Al-Sharaf added that the forum provides added value to participants by accrediting 20 hours of continuing medical education from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, which enhances the professional path of participating health practitioners.
Expected impact and future of healthcare
Pharmathon 2026 is more than just a passing event; it represents a cornerstone in the development of the pharmaceutical healthcare system in the Kingdom. The outputs and innovations resulting from the hackathon are expected to contribute to improving the quality of services provided to pilgrims, such as applications for managing chronic medications, smart medication alert systems, and medical supply chain solutions in the Holy Sites. This initiative solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a leading regional and international hub for digital health innovation and underscores its commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare services to visitors of the Holy Mosque.
