Riyadh: The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) honored today the winning teams of the AI Readiness Hackathon during the closing ceremony held on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) in Riyadh.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the hackathon brought together university students from Saudi Arabia and around the world, who competed to develop innovative solutions using artificial intelligence (AI) to address challenges in the education, health, agriculture, and finance sectors. The solutions were evaluated based on criteria focusing on innovation, applicability, societal impact, and adherence to responsible AI principles.

The participating teams presented their project prototypes to a judging panel of leading specialists and experts. They showcased solutions aimed at improving service efficiency, supporting sustainability, and enhancing the quality of decision-making through data and AI technologies.

The hackathon models international cooperation in building capabilities and empowering young talent, while highlighting Saudi Arabia's role, represented by SDAIA and ICAIRE, in supporting responsible innovation and advancing global dialogue on the ethical and trustworthy use of AI.