Umm Al-Qura University organizes an artificial intelligence competition in education
In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership in adopting modern technologies, Umm Al-Qura University organized the second edition of the International Artificial Intelligence in Education Competition 2026. This prominent event was held in partnership with the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Education Alliance, highlighting the university's commitment to supporting innovation and fostering the future of smart education. The initiative aims to connect the Saudi academic environment with its global counterparts and develop technological solutions that contribute to improving the quality of educational outcomes in accordance with the latest international standards.
The strategic context of artificial intelligence applications in education
The world is currently witnessing a rapid technological revolution, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education becoming a cornerstone for developing academic systems. Historically, major educational institutions have begun employing technology to facilitate access to knowledge, and with the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, interest in digital transformation and human capital development has intensified. This competition is an extension of national efforts aimed at building a knowledge-based economy, as the Kingdom strives to become a regional and global hub for technological innovation. Partnering with prestigious institutions in Hong Kong enhances the exchange of expertise and opens new horizons for researchers and students to develop educational tools based on advanced AI algorithms.
Prominent Saudi presence and strong competition
The competition witnessed broad participation from universities and academic institutions, with 62 projects submitted, 56 of which were accepted after passing the initial evaluation stages. A total of 122 researchers and students interested in technology fields competed in the event. Saudi universities had a notable presence, with 21 Saudi universities and educational institutions participating, along with 3 Gulf universities. Umm Al-Qura University topped the list with 23 submissions, followed by Al-Baha University with 18, and the Ministry of Education with 10, bringing the total number of participants from the Kingdom to 99. This reflects the growing academic interest in modern technology applications and their role in developing the educational process.
Expected impact and eligible projects
This event holds immense importance and has a multifaceted impact. Locally, it contributes to honing the skills of national talent and preparing them for the future job market. Regionally, it solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leader in educational innovation in the Middle East. Internationally, it fosters cross-border research collaboration. The evaluation and judging phases resulted in eight projects qualifying for the final stage, which will be held in Hong Kong. The top three projects nominated for incubation by Wadi Makkah Technology Company and the Intellectual Property Incubator were also announced: the "Behavioral Skill Mentor" project, the "Plain: Generative AI Platform for Adaptive Learning" project, and the "Immersive Metaverse-Based Medical Education" project.
Scientific programs and strategic partnerships
The events included accompanying scientific programs, such as a workshop on "Preparing a CV" presented by professional trainer Amani Al-Harthi from the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), and a workshop on "Generative Artificial Intelligence and Creative Descriptive Programming" presented by Dr. Hassan Al-Hudhali, Head of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Department at Umm Al-Qura University. A panel discussion titled "Successful Graduate" was also held to discuss graduates' experiences in technology and entrepreneurship. The event included the signing of agreements in the areas of cooperative training and professional mentorship to transform graduates into projects with economic impact. The President of Umm Al-Qura University, Professor Maadi Al-Mathhab, emphasized the university's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the transition towards smart and sustainable education that aligns with the goals of the Vision. The events concluded with the honoring of the winners and partners in success.
