In a technological achievement reflecting the development of national talent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the "Shadow" project won first place in the Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon , the premier technology event organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and a number of strategic partners. The hackathon witnessed fierce competition among more than 4,000 participants from among the elite developers and innovators, all aiming to present smart solutions that serve the security system.
The context of digital transformation and smart security
This victory comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing unprecedented technological advancements as part of its Vision 2030 goals, with the Ministry of Interior striving to digitize all its services and promote the concept of “smart policing.” The Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon is not merely a technology competition; it serves as an incubator for innovation, aiming to attract brilliant minds to utilize artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in developing field services, thereby enhancing security performance and improving the quality of life for citizens and residents.
The traditional communication gap and the innovative solution
Dr. Mohammed Dakhilallah Al-Ahmadi, Associate Professor of Software Engineering at Jeddah University and one of the project's developers, explained that the "Shadow" concept stemmed from observing a real challenge faced by security personnel in the field. Relying solely on voice communication via traditional wireless devices may not convey the complete picture to the operations room, creating an information gap that could affect the speed and accuracy of response in critical situations.
This led to the development of the "Shadow" device, an integrated smart system that attaches to a security officer's uniform, acting as a third eye or digital "shadow." The device transmits vital, real-time data, including precise geographic location, the officer's health indicators (such as heart rate and stress levels), and a live video feed of the surrounding environment.
Expected impact: Enhanced safety and faster decision-making
This project is of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels, as it is expected to bring about a qualitative shift in the management of security operations:
- At the command and control level: It allows operations centers to see the field clearly, making it easier to make critical decisions such as sending immediate support or changing tactics based on real-world data.
- At the level of individual safety: Monitoring vital signs contributes to rapid medical intervention in the event that a security officer experiences any health problem or injury during raids and high-risk reports.
Scientific methodology and institutional support
Dr. Al-Ahmadi pointed out that the success of the project, which he developed in collaboration with his colleague Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Juhayyah, was not a coincidence, but rather the result of intensive work and a scientific methodology that began with analyzing the problem and culminated in building a viable prototype. The stimulating environment provided by the organizing bodies, such as the Tuwaiq Academy and Elm Company, played a significant role in guiding the participants through specialized mentoring sessions, which contributed to the technical maturation of the idea.
This achievement confirms the ability of Saudi personnel to create quality solutions that meet global standards, thus enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a regional center for security technology and innovation.
