First International AI Olympiad Launched by Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has launched the first-ever International AI Olympiad (IAIO), bringing together teams from 25 countries to compete and collaborate in the field of artificial intelligence. Organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the event, which started on Sunday, will run until Thursday and aims to cultivate global AI talent and innovation.

The Olympiad is being held in collaboration with the International Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) and Slovenia’s International Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), under the auspices of UNESCO. It serves as a platform for AI-focused competitions, skill-building activities, and cross-border knowledge exchange.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), SDAIA’s initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of AI professionals, equipping them with the transformative skills necessary to drive modern business systems and improve everyday life.

In the lead-up to the event, SDAIA hosted a series of virtual AI lectures over five weeks, helping international teams prepare and expand their understanding of the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.

With this event, Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a global hub for AI innovation, pushing forward its Vision 2030 goals of technological advancement and economic diversification.