In a move reflecting the Kingdom's accelerating digital transformation, the Saudi Ministry of Interior, in strategic partnership with the Tuwaiq Academy, announced the launch of "Absher Tuwaiq," the world's largest hackathon of its kind. This massive technology event is part of the "Absher 2025" conference, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to empowering young Saudi talent.
A technological event with an ambitious national vision
The Riyadh Front Exhibition and Convention Center witnessed the arrival of over 4,000 participants from among Saudi Arabia's elite technology professionals from across the Kingdom, competing from December 11 to 13. This large gathering comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is experiencing unprecedented technological advancements, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which places digital transformation and artificial intelligence at the heart of its economic and development priorities.
This hackathon is not just a technical competition, but a vital platform for integrating national talent into the government innovation system, as the “Absher” platform has transformed from a mere gateway to electronic services into an environment that stimulates digital creativity, seeking to attract smart solutions that serve security and development.
Million-dollar prizes and future-proof pathways
To encourage innovation, the hackathon offers participants the chance to win substantial cash prizes totaling SAR 1,000,000. In addition to the cash prizes, winners receive incubation opportunities for their projects, including three slots in the MVPLAB program, sponsored by the National Information Technology Sector Development Program, ensuring the transformation of theoretical ideas into tangible entrepreneurial ventures.
The event is being held in strategic partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which adds a deep technical dimension to the competition, which is spread across four main and vital tracks:
- Artificial intelligence and security prediction: Employing advanced algorithms to enhance proactive security.
- Digital identity and its security applications: Innovating solutions for data protection and identity verification.
- Internet of Things and field technologies: Connecting physical devices to digital systems to improve operational efficiency.
- Innovation and development of Absher services: Improving user experience and providing smarter government services.
Empowering human capabilities and achieving sustainable impact
The hackathon falls under the umbrella of the “Absher Tuwaiq” initiative, a key pillar of the Absher 2025 conference. This ambitious initiative aims to empower more than 100,000 beneficiaries across the Kingdom. This significant number reflects the organizers' commitment to building exceptional national capabilities, capable of leading the technological future and solidifying the Kingdom's position as a regional and global hub for modern technologies and digital innovation.
The event provides a competitive environment filled with a spirit of teamwork, where participating teams work for three consecutive days under the supervision of an elite group of experts and specialists in the technical and security fields, which contributes to honing the skills of the participants and exchanging knowledge and experiences.
Absher Conference 2025: A Decade of Leadership
The hackathon paves the way for the main conference, “Absher 2025,” scheduled to take place from December 17 to 19, with “Elm” as the main sponsor. This year’s conference features a new concept and innovative approach to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “Absher” forum. The conference will focus on showcasing the latest national digital innovations, highlighting the Kingdom’s success stories in e-government, and reaffirming its global leadership in harnessing technology for the benefit of humanity and security.
