AI Takes Center Stage at Absher Conference in Riyadh

Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme during the second day of the Absher Conference in Riyadh, highlighting its growing role as a long-term pillar of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. Building on the momentum of the Tuwaiq Hackathon announced on the opening day, discussions focused on how AI is reshaping government services, education, and media across the Kingdom.

Panels explored collaboration between government entities and AI startups, emphasizing infrastructure readiness, investment, and talent development. Speakers noted that Saudi Arabia’s digital-first population, strong government technology platforms, and advanced infrastructure have positioned the Kingdom among global leaders in govtech innovation.

Education and training institutions were highlighted as key enablers of AI growth. Representatives from technical academies described mentorship-driven, practice-focused learning models that equip students with real-world skills from day one, helping transform technology users into developers and innovators.

The role of media in amplifying Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven progress was also discussed. Industry leaders outlined how AI-powered localization and translation tools are enabling Saudi stories to reach global audiences at scale, while preserving cultural nuance and storytelling depth. Media executives stressed that AI enhances speed, accessibility, and reach, making it a critical component of the Kingdom’s technological evolution.

The discussions underscored how AI is increasingly connecting government, education, and media into a unified ecosystem, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in digital innovation and inclusive transformation.