The masks are off in public places as Saudi Arabia eases COVID-19 restrictions
The Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque will also be operating at full capacity for those who have been double jabbed
Updated 16 October 2021
Rawan Radwan
JEDDAH: More than 18 months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Interior announced on Friday that, due to a significant nationwide decline in COVID-19 cases and the Kingdom’s high vaccination rates, a number of restrictions will be relaxed from Sunday, October 17.
The new rules will only apply to those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. So far, that includes 20.6 million of the Kingdom’s 34.8 million residents.
The ministry announced that face masks will no longer be mandatory in outdoor settings, except for certain specific locations — including the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, where all visitors and staff must still wear masks. The two mosques will return to full capacity, but visits must be reserved through the Ministry of Health-approved apps Eatmarna and Tawakkalna.
In addition, social distancing will no longer be mandatory at social gatherings or in public settings including transport, restaurants, cinemas, and more. Wedding halls will also be allowed to return full capacity.
However, a number of precautionary measures will remain in place for people outside of their homes, including temperature checks upon entry into establishments and health status checks via the Tawakkalna app. Public and private establishments will still be required to make hand sanitizer widely available.
Social distancing and face masks will still be mandatory in locations where Tawakkalna health status checks are not applied.
The MOH will continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 cases resulting in hospitalization or admittance to ICU, it was announced. If red flags are raised due to the relaxation of rules, then precautionary measures will be re-introduced in cities, governorates, or regions as necessary.
Absher Hackathon finalists highlight scale of Saudi tech talent
World’s largest hackathon underscores growing national enthusiasm for tech innovation
Updated 14 December 2025
Ghadi Joudah
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s push to position itself as a global hub for digital innovation was on display this weekend as the Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon 2025 — billed as the world’s largest hackathon — concluded with the announcement of finalist teams competing for prizes totaling SR1 million ($266,000).
The three-day hackathon, organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, brought together innovators from across the Kingdom to develop digital solutions aligned with the ministry’s digital transformation goals.
The finalist teams recognized for their projects were: Shadow, Wusool, Watheeq , Tanabbah, HRS, Ikhlaa, Amal, Mustabiq, Al‑Dahna, Inspire, Saqour Al‑Watan, Thaqib, Sawt Al‑Mustaqbal, Manee, and YS Advance International.
The finalists were announced at the end of the three-day Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy. (AN photo/Supplied)
In addition to cash prizes, the competition offered SR450,000 in support from the National Technology Development Program, along with incubation opportunities at Invi Lab to help teams turn prototypes into market-ready products.
Tariq Al‑Hamid, official spokesperson for the Absher Conference, told Arab News that the hackathon has generated strong momentum nationwide.
This year’s event included more than 4,000 participants from all regions of the Kingdom — “a reflection of the growing national enthusiasm for digital innovation,” he said.
HIGHLIGHT
The Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon brought together innovators from across the Kingdom to develop digital solutions aligned with the ministry’s digital transformation goals.
According to Al‑Hamid, the 2025 event was structured around four specialized tracks: digital identity and security applications; artificial intelligence for predictive and proactive security; Internet of Things applications supporting field operations; and innovations to enhance or expand services on the Absher Platform.
Tariq Al-Hamid (center) said that the hackathon’s impact extends beyond prize money. (Supplied)
He added that this focused approach allowed participants “to present high‑quality ideas and advanced prototypes at levels comparable to international competitions.”
Participants also took part in more than 80 training programs delivered by global partners including Google Cloud, Meta, NVIDIA, and Huawei, an experience Al-Hamid said significantly strengthened both the competition and participants’ skills.
Al-Hamid said that the hackathon’s impact extends beyond prize money. “More important than the cash reward is the opportunity to turn creative ideas into real products that make an impact on citizens, residents, and visitors.”
Standout participants often attract the attention of leading national technology companies seeking new talent, he added.
Participation was open to individuals and teams from across Saudi Arabia, from high school students to industry professionals, highlighting the inclusivity of the event and the breadth of the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem.
The hackathon forms part of the wider Absher Tuwaiq initiative, a core pillar of the upcoming Absher Conference 2025, which will empower more than 100,000 participants across seven technical tracks in 16 cities, in partnership with 20 local and international organizations.
The conference, organized by the Ministry of Interior and Tuwaiq Academy, sponsored by Elm Company and held in strategic partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, will take place in Riyadh from Dec. 17 -19.
The event will showcase national digital innovations and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role in global technology.
