Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage at Absher Conference in Riyadh

Absher Conference Concludes with Strong Focus on AI

The Absher Conference, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 17 to 19, 2025, concluded with Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerging as a central theme, underscoring its pivotal role in the Kingdom's ongoing digital transformation. The event, organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, showcased Saudi Arabia's advancements in digital government and national innovations, all in line with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030.

AI's Impact Across Sectors

Discussions throughout the conference highlighted AI's profound impact on various sectors, including government services, education, and media. Panels explored critical aspects such as infrastructure readiness, talent development, and the application of AI in storytelling. Leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration between government entities and AI startups to foster innovation and redefine public services. The Absher platform itself, a key digital government service, was presented as a prime example of integrating data and AI to serve the populace effectively. The Ministry of Interior also unveiled new digital initiatives, including AI-powered services and an 'Absher Assistant', designed to enhance user experience and streamline tasks.

Strategic Partnerships and Skill Development

A significant development at the conference was the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Interior and the global AI company HUMAIN. This partnership aims to integrate and support artificial intelligence across the ministry's various platforms and sectors. Furthermore, the conference underscored the Kingdom's commitment to nurturing digital talent through initiatives like the Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon. This hackathon, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest digital solutions hackathon with over 4,100 participants, focused on developing solutions in areas such as digital identity, security applications, and AI for predictive and proactive security. Speakers stressed the imperative of investing in national capabilities and digital skills to ensure sustainable AI adoption and long-term impact.

Vision for a Digitally Transformed Future

Dr. Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Center (NIC) at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the Absher platform's effective integration of data and AI in serving the people. The conference served as a testament to Saudi Arabia's accelerated journey towards digital excellence, positioning Riyadh as a regional hub for technological innovation. The focus on AI reflects the Kingdom's strategic vision to build a smarter, more efficient, and trusted digital ecosystem, aligning with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.