Pharmathon 2026: A pharmaceutical innovation to serve pilgrims in Mecca
The scientific and innovative forum "Pharmathon 2026," organized by Umm Al-Qura University, represented by its College of Pharmacy, was launched in the holy city of Mecca under the theme "Excellence in Pharmaceutical Healthcare to Serve the Pilgrims." The event, held under the patronage of the university president, Professor Dr. Maadi bin Mohammed Al-Mathhab, and hosted by the Mecca Chamber of Commerce, took place from February 3rd to 5th, 2026, and was attended by a significant number of experts and specialists.
A strategic framework for serving pilgrims and Umrah performers
The organization of this unique event comes at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing comprehensive development within the framework of Vision 2030, specifically with regard to the Guests of God Service Program, which aims to facilitate the hosting of pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques and provide them with the best possible services. Pharmaceutical care is of paramount importance in this context, given the millions of pilgrims who flock to the holy sites, necessitating innovative solutions for managing drug inventory, combating infection, and providing rapid and effective medical consultations.
The forum is a specialized scientific and professional platform that brings together leading healthcare practitioners and specialists in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Its aim is to foster innovation and develop pharmaceutical solutions and health technologies that support the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. The organizers of "Pharmathon" seek to transform research ideas into pioneering projects that contribute to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the healthcare sector.
Scientific events and innovation competitions
The forum featured a rich and comprehensive scientific program that included specialized panel discussions, practical workshops, and an accompanying exhibition showcasing the latest technologies in the world of pharmacy. This year's edition was distinguished by the launch of several innovative competitions, most notably the "Pharmatation" competition and the "Capsule" hackathon, in addition to an exhibition of scientific research posters addressing real-world health challenges.
The event targeted a wide range of the medical community, including health practitioners, recent graduates, entrepreneurs, professionals, as well as talented and innovative individuals in the health and pharmaceutical fields, in order to provide a stimulating environment for knowledge exchange and building strategic partnerships between the academic and private sectors.
Record numbers and professional certifications
In a statement, Dr. Sharaf Ezzat Al Sharaf, a faculty member at the College of Pharmacy and owner of the "Pharmathon" brand, affirmed that organizing the forum in its second edition reflects the pioneering role of Umm Al-Qura University in supporting scientific initiatives that have a direct impact on the health and safety of the pilgrims.
Al-Sharaf revealed impressive statistics for the forum, explaining that the number of applicants for the challenges and competitions exceeded 1,000 from 10 different cities across the Kingdom, reflecting the significant interest in healthcare innovation. Seventy teams participated, competing to present the best solutions. The forum's scientific program included 15 specialized workshops and 10 interactive scientific sessions, totaling 20 Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, thus adding significant professional value for the participants.
Expected impact locally and regionally
The outcomes of Pharmathon 2026 are expected to contribute to a qualitative leap in services provided during Hajj and Umrah seasons by adopting artificial intelligence and automation technologies in dispensing medications and monitoring the health status of pilgrims. Regionally and internationally, this event solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading center for innovation in mass gathering medicine and emergency healthcare, thus establishing a unique Saudi model for efficiently and effectively managing the healthcare of millions simultaneously in one place.
