Senegalese president opens Dakar branch of Prophet’s Biography Museum

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Secretary-General of the MWL Abdulrahman Al-Zaid, along with a number of scholars from the African continent and government officials. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 March 2024
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Senegalese president opens Dakar branch of Prophet’s Biography Museum

  • Branches of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization are being organized worldwide, under the supervision of the MWL

RIYADH: Senegalese President Macky Sall on Sunday officially opened the Dakar branch of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization.

Sall told of his happiness at the opening, commending the efforts of the Muslim World League in highlighting Islamic values which are embodied in the event, which uses the latest exhibition techniques.

Sall also praised the strong Saudi-Senegalese relations and the continuous pursuit to promote civilizational exchange between the two countries, adding that he is looking forward to future joint efforts.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Secretary-General of the MWL Abdulrahman Al-Zaid, along with a number of scholars from the African continent and government officials.

Branches of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization are being organized worldwide, under the supervision of the MWL.

These efforts seek to introduce people to the biography, including its guiding values for the right path, while raising Muslim people’s awareness and highlighting the dangers of extremism and shedding light on Islamic civilization.

The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, in its fixed and traveling branches, is considered the first of its kind when it comes to introducing the biography and Islamic civilization.

This is due to its unique sources, authentic scientific work, peer-reviewed research and exhibition techniques which utilize the latest technologies in order to present visitors from around the world with information about Islamic values to help address common misconceptions.

Al-Zaid said: “The international fair regularly organizes exhibitions on the Prophet’s biography, under the supervision of the MWL’s Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.

“These exhibitions comprise 20 different sections dedicated to the Prophet’s biography and Islamic civilization, along with a collection of artifacts and sculptures that represent Islamic history, helping visitors imagine what the cities of Makkah and Madinah were like during the Prophet’s era.

“The exhibition also includes halls dedicated to cinematic screening, and interactive astronomy and environmental shows. It also comprises a creative section containing a panoramic model of the Prophet’s tomb and pulpit, equipped with the latest technologies, such as virtual reality and 3D projection.

“This enables visitors to experience the dimensions of the Prophet’s biography and Islamic monuments, and interact with them while being fully immersed in them.

“This turns the experience into a living one, in addition to it being a fun and inspiring experience of added knowledge, highlighting numerous historical monuments and belongings that were part of the Prophet’s biography.”


Absher Hackathon finalists highlight scale of Saudi tech talent

Updated 14 December 2025
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Absher Hackathon finalists highlight scale of Saudi tech talent

  • World’s largest hackathon underscores growing national enthusiasm for tech innovation

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.