Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif inaugurated the Absher Conference 2025 on Wednesday. The conference is organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy.
In his speech, Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs Prince Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari highlighted the ministry’s pioneering role through the Absher platform in providing innovative digital services to citizens, residents, and visitors, including pilgrims and tourists, reflecting the Kingdom’s global leadership in digital governance.
Minister Prince Abdulaziz witnessed the signing of an agreement between the ministry and the global AI company HUMAIN, aimed at integrating and supporting artificial intelligence across the ministry’s platforms and sectors. The agreement was signed by Deputy Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs Thamer Al-Harbi and HUMAIN Chief Executive Tareq Amin.
The minister and attendees also viewed a documentary on the world’s largest hackathon, the Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon. During the event, a Guinness World Records official confirmed that the ministry had set multiple records, including the largest hackathon with more than 4,100 participants, the most participants in a hackathon, the largest security innovation hackathon, and the largest digital solutions hackathon.
Prince Abdulaziz later honored the winning teams of the hackathon. He also toured the accompanying exhibition, visiting key pavilions and receiving briefings on the technologies and innovations on display.
The Absher Conference this year introduces a new concept and innovative approach, following global standards that underscore the ministry’s pivotal role in advancing digital transformation and strengthening the Kingdom's global leadership in this field, in line with the directives of the Saudi leadership and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The three-day conference features more than 60 main sessions led by dignitaries, along with 80 workshops presented by 150 speakers, and 10 interactive zones designed to enhance the visitor experience.
