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. 

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. 

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. 

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.