Saudi Ministry of Interior shows off firefighting robots and chemical-sensing drones
The robot is designed to enhance safety levels for firemen
The data collected by the drone is sent directly to a tablet for analysis and interpretation
Updated 13 September 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Firefighting robots and chemical detecting drones are the center of attention at the Saudi Ministry of Interior pavilion at The Cityscape Global Exhibition at Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center.
The firefighting robot is equipped with three openings for water and foam exits, thermal cameras to provide clear images, and the mobility mechanism of the robot in firefighting operations in that operations challenging human firefighters.
The robot is designed to enhance safety levels for firemen, especially in high-severity fires, inaccessible areas, and dangerous tasks.
Also on display is a drone specifically designed for monitoring radiation and chemical substances using a device attached to its base.
The data collected by the device is sent directly to a tablet for analysis and interpretation. (SPA)
The data collected by the device is sent directly to a tablet for analysis and interpretation.
This advanced drone even has the ability to hover vertically at an altitude of 2 km, cover a horizontal distance of 7 km, and reach speeds of up to 88 kmph.
It is built with a reinforced carbon fiber frame to withstand radiation and is equipped with 8 engines for stability.
The Ministry of Interior is participating in the Cityscape Global Exhibition, the largest global exhibition debuting in the Kingdom, through which Saudi Vision 2030 projects will be displayed under one roof, with the participation of more than 170 countries.
Absher Hackathon finalists highlight scale of Saudi tech talent
World’s largest hackathon underscores growing national enthusiasm for tech innovation
Updated 50 min 5 sec ago
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.
