Road cleaning workers leaving their work to beg at road intersections and public utilities or commercial centers is now a common feature.
One reason why laborers are attracted to begging is there are some people who sympathize with them and give them money in charity.
Muhammad Al-Munjem said he respected the cleaning workers who keep the cities neat and tidy but their turning to beggary is totally unacceptable.
“The phenomenon has not been scientifically tackled. The practice gives an uncivilized look to our city, especially where tourists abound. Serious studies should be made to deal with the issue and also protect the laborer with measures such as dividing the work to morning and evening sessions. Their work under the scorching sun makes people pity them and give them alms,” he said.
Hassan Ahmed said Saudis are generous by nature and they never think of the evil consequences of what they are doing when they give alms to the cleaning workers on roads. Such alms make the workers neglect their cleaning work and become beggars or rag pickers. On the other hand, the cleaning contractors should secretly monitor their workers and fine those who neglect their work and even deport the guilty ones.
Muhannad Al-Oram said labor contractors should see that the workers are paid wages enough to keep them off begging. He also pointed out that some of them work as rag pickers to earn more money by selling scraps.
Muhammad Al-Buqami, spokesman of the Jeddah Municipality, said the authorities take stern action against cleaning workers practicing beggary, or washing cars and collecting scraps. The legal procedures include notifying the worker’s contracting company, which in turn would take penal measures against the violator. Recently, 70 workers were deported for engaging in prohibited activities such as begging, rag picking and car washing on roads.
He added that five companies are contracted for cleaning in Jeddah.
Cleaning workers neglect work, prioritize begging
Cleaning workers neglect work, prioritize begging
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.
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.
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.
