The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), recently hosted the “Road to Smarter” event at the Green Halls Sports Complex in Riyadh.
The event witnessed the participation of over 10,000 students and featured exceptional presentations that combined competition and inspiration through a variety of entertaining and educational formats.
This event marked the launch of the “Athka” National Programming and Artificial Intelligence Olympiad, a cultural and entertainment event dedicated to artificial intelligence.
It brought together middle and high school students with AI experts and influencers to explore the future of AI and engage in challenges within an enthusiastic and exciting atmosphere.
لحظات معرفية مشوقة عاشها أكثر من 10 آلاف طالب وطالبة في فعالية الطريق إلى #أذكى#سدايا pic.twitter.com/Cv0ONiDzQ1
— SDAIA (@SDAIA_SA) October 7, 2023
The Olympiad is part of one of the largest national initiatives aimed at training 300,000 middle and high school students across Saudi Arabia in the fields of programming and artificial intelligence.
This initiative is designed to empower the youth, align with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, and foster human capabilities, especially in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
The “Road to Smarter” event showcased various presentations about the applications and evolving future of artificial intelligence and its relationship with humanity.
It also featured competitions that encouraged the younger generation to venture into the world of advanced technologies, offering them recognition awards. Additionally, an inspirational speech was delivered by a student who had achieved national and international success in the fields of science and chemistry.
الطريق إلى #أذكى..
بالشراكة بين:
#وزارة_التعليم و #سدايا و #موهبة. pic.twitter.com/kywAr2EM7A— وزارة التعليم – عام (@moe_gov_sa) October 7, 2023
The event also included enriching electronic competitions and games that stimulate creative thinking in finding software solutions using artificial intelligence, such as the “Smart Guardian,” X/O, and Rocket League.
These activities involved young talents and professional e-sports players, serving as modern learning resources for various age groups.
Badr Al-Mujarzi, the Director of Competitions at Mawhiba, emphasized the importance of scientific competitions in all fields and their significant contribution to the education system.
He also highlighted how these competitions help develop individuals capable of global competition, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing human capabilities in various areas, including advanced technologies.
لبناء جيل يصنع المستقبل في مجال البيانات والذكاء الاصطناعي؛ جاءت فعالية الطريق إلى #أذكى #سدايا pic.twitter.com/5D0DtfElFK
— SDAIA (@SDAIA_SA) October 7, 2023
The launch of the National Programming and Artificial Intelligence Olympiad aims to cultivate a promising national generation of programmers and AI experts.
It adopts a modern approach to achieve a positive impact in line with the visionary leadership’s directives to empower and elevate the youth.
This initiative seeks to harness the inexhaustible energy of young minds and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, especially in the field of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
For those interested in participating in the Olympiad, SDAIA encourages registration through the provided link.
