RIYADH – The Saudi Ministry of Interior launched the Absher Conference 2025 on Wednesday in Riyadh, showcasing its commitment to digital innovation and security. The event, organized in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, centers around the Absher platform and its expanding role in providing services to citizens, residents, and visitors. This year’s conference highlights the integration of artificial intelligence and aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in digital governance.
The inaugural ceremony was led by Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, with a keynote address from Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs Prince Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari. The conference is expected to draw significant attention to Saudi Arabia’s technological advancements and its progress toward the goals of Vision 2030.
The Evolution of Absher and Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation
The Absher platform began as a portal for residency permit services but has rapidly evolved into a comprehensive digital hub offering over 200 services. These range from traffic violations and passport renewals to healthcare appointments and access to government information. This expansion reflects a broader national strategy to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public services through technology.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the platform’s success is rooted in its user-centric design and continuous adaptation to evolving needs. The focus on digital solutions is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Strategic Partnership with HUMAIN
A significant development at the conference was the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Interior and HUMAIN, a global artificial intelligence company. The collaboration will focus on integrating AI technologies across various ministry platforms and sectors. This includes enhancing cybersecurity measures, improving data analysis capabilities, and automating routine tasks.
The ministry stated that this partnership is crucial for maintaining a proactive stance against emerging threats and optimizing operational efficiency. The specific applications of AI are expected to be detailed in subsequent announcements, but initial indications suggest a focus on predictive policing and streamlined administrative processes.
Record-Breaking Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon
The Absher Conference 2025 also served as the venue to recognize the achievements of the Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon, recently certified by Guinness World Records. The hackathon, designed to foster innovation in digital security and solutions, attracted over 4,100 participants, setting a new global benchmark.
The Guinness World Records official confirmed multiple records, including the largest hackathon by participant count, the largest security innovation hackathon, and the largest digital solutions hackathon. This demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing capacity to attract and cultivate talent in the technology sector. The winning teams were honored by Prince Abdulaziz, highlighting the importance of collaborative problem-solving.
The hackathon focused on challenges related to public safety, cybersecurity, and smart city initiatives. Participants were tasked with developing innovative solutions using cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning and blockchain. The event underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Conference Structure and Key Themes
The three-day Absher Conference 2025 features a comprehensive program designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration. The agenda includes over 60 main sessions led by prominent figures in the technology and government sectors, alongside 80 workshops facilitated by 150 speakers. Ten interactive zones have been established to provide attendees with hands-on experience with the latest technologies.
Key themes being explored at the conference include cybersecurity, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and the future of digital governance. Experts are discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies, as well as best practices for implementation and regulation. The event also provides a platform for showcasing successful case studies and fostering partnerships between government agencies and private sector companies.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized the conference’s alignment with global standards in digital transformation. This commitment to international best practices is seen as essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the Absher platform and other digital initiatives. The event also aims to attract foreign investment and promote Saudi Arabia as a hub for technological innovation.
The integration of digital identity solutions and the exploration of metaverse applications for public services are also prominent topics. These discussions reflect the Ministry’s forward-looking approach and its willingness to experiment with emerging technologies to improve citizen engagement.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Interior is expected to announce specific timelines for the implementation of the AI solutions developed through the HUMAIN partnership. Further details regarding the winning projects from the Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon and their potential for deployment are also anticipated. The ongoing success of the Absher platform and the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation efforts will continue to be a key area of focus for both government and industry stakeholders. The Ministry will likely publish a detailed report summarizing the key takeaways and commitments made during the conference in the coming months.
