NCM, Civil Defense warn of thunderstorms, rain across Saudi Arabia until Monday
NCM, Civil Defense warn of thunderstorms, rain across Saudi Arabia until Monday/node/2613313/saudi-arabia
NCM, Civil Defense warn of thunderstorms, rain across Saudi Arabia until Monday
The General Directorate of Civil Defense has called for caution as thunderstorms, rains are expected to continue across most of the Kingdom until Monday. (AN Photo)
NCM, Civil Defense warn of thunderstorms, rain across Saudi Arabia until Monday
NCM has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms, leading to flash floods and accompanied by hail and dust-stirring winds
General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued inclement weather warnings along with safety instructions
Updated 28 August 2025
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: Saudi authorities have forecast thunderstorms followed by moderate to heavy rainfall across the Kingdom, with the inclement weather expected to last until Monday.
The National Center for Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms, leading to flash floods and accompanied by hail and dust-stirring winds in parts of the regions of Najran, Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah.
Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Eastern Province, Riyadh, Hail, and Qassim, with the chance of fog forming over the southwestern highlands in these areas.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued inclement weather warnings along with safety instructions as the Kingdom braces for moderate to heavy rainfall.
It has called for caution as thunderstorms are expected to continue across most parts of the Kingdom until Monday.
The directorate advised the public to avoid valleys and flood-prone areas, and urged adherence to all official instructions and warnings broadcast through media and social media channels.
Wind speeds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of up to 55 kph.
In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southeasterly to northeasterly at speeds of up to 30 kph. The sea is expected to be relatively calm in that area, the NCM said.
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.
