Saudi authorities launch Generative AI Hackathon

The hackathon will run from May 18 to 21 in Riyadh. (Shutterstock)
Short Url
Updated 10 May 2023
Follow

Saudi authorities launch Generative AI Hackathon

  • Help for those seeking to develop hi-tech businesses in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has launched a Generative Artificial Intelligence Hackathon to help develop hi-tech ideas into successful businesses.
The event is being run jointly with the National Technology Development Program, in cooperation with the New Native accelerator, to build eligible models for the first batch of the Generative Artificial Intelligence Accelerator.
The hackathon will run from May 18 to 21 in Riyadh. The accelerator aims to support those who have an idea or a prototype in the AI field, to enable them to transform these models into startups and boost entrepreneurship. The groups will be offered courses under the supervision of experts.
The hackathon is part of an agreement between the SDAIA and the NTDP, which was signed during the LEAP 2023 conference to enable AI technical business accelerators.
The cooperation reflects a commitment to promote innovation and sustainable development in the Kingdom as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
For more information on the hackathon, visit lablab.me.


Saudi initiative to host ‘dialogue’ between southern Yemeni factions widely welcomed

Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Saudi initiative to host ‘dialogue’ between southern Yemeni factions widely welcomed

  • Conference in Saudi capital requested by Rashad Al-Alimi, president of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council
  • Kingdom urged all factions to participate “to develop a comprehensive vision” that would fulfill the aspirations of the southern people

RIYADH: The Saudi Foreign Ministry’s move to invite factions in South Yemen to hold a dialogue in Riyadh has been widely welcomed.

A statement by the ministry said the conference in the Saudi capital had been requested by Rashad Al-Alimi, president of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and the Kingdom urged all factions to participate “to develop a comprehensive vision” that would fulfill the aspirations of the southern people.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit welcomed Al-Alimi’s call to convene a comprehensive conference to discuss just solutions to the southern issue. 

He also expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s swift response to the request and its readiness to host and sponsor the conference with the participation of southern factions.

The situation in southern Yemen, Aboul Gheit said, has “well-known historical dimensions and includes legitimate issues that must be addressed at the negotiating table within a comprehensive Yemeni framework.” 

He stressed that attempts to impose a fait accompli did not serve the southern cause but instead caused serious harm by exposing the country to further fragmentation and disintegration.

He reiterated the Arab League’s consistent position, as reflected in its repeated resolutions on the Yemeni crisis, which is based on full commitment to Yemen’s unity and the preservation of its territorial integrity.

Commending the Saudi announcement, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa,  the Muslim World League’s secretary-general, said that the step “reflected the Kingdom’s steadfast and sincere approach to supporting the Yemeni people in all their diversity.”

It also highlights the Kingdom’s continued efforts to preserve peace and stability in Yemen by addressing the southern issue through inclusive dialogue among all parties, Al-Issa added.

Meanwhile, Qatar has expressed its appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the inclusive conference to explore fair solutions to the southern issue.

In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the efforts exerted by the legitimate Yemeni government to support the Yemeni dialogue track and address the southern issue.

The ministry underlined the importance of the constructive participation of all southern stakeholders, prioritizing the interests of the Yemeni people at the anticipated conference in Riyadh.

It emphasized adherence to the outcomes of the national dialogue as the consensual framework and comprehensive mechanism for reaching an inclusive political solution that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people in all their segments and preserves Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The ministry warned that unilateral declarations and measures taken without consultation and consensus among Yemeni parties, and without engaging in serious and responsible dialogue, could lead to a descent into chaos, harming the interests of the Yemeni people and undermining prospects for reaching a sustainable political settlement.

The ministry reaffirmed Qatar’s full support for all regional and international efforts aimed at advancing the political process, contributing to ending the Yemeni crisis through dialogue and peaceful means.