Teams from 17 Countries in Riyadh for Final Stage of ‘ALLaM Challenge’ to Support Arabic

The challenge will provide competitors with opportunities for training and workshops led by AI experts and specialists in Arabic language fields. SPA
The challenge will provide competitors with opportunities for training and workshops led by AI experts and specialists in Arabic language fields. SPA
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Teams from 17 Countries in Riyadh for Final Stage of ‘ALLaM Challenge’ to Support Arabic

The challenge will provide competitors with opportunities for training and workshops led by AI experts and specialists in Arabic language fields. SPA
The challenge will provide competitors with opportunities for training and workshops led by AI experts and specialists in Arabic language fields. SPA

Teams from 17 countries began arriving at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, preparing for the final stage of the "ALLaM Challenge."
The competition will take place from Thursday, November 7, to Saturday, November 9 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh, with over 600 male and female competitors representing 200 teams. The event will also feature more than 50 guides and 40 judges, with total prizes valued at SAR 1 million.
The ALLaM Challenge -- organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in collaboration with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones -- is part of SDAIA’s efforts to support the Kingdom's initiatives to serve the Arabic language regionally and globally.
The challenge aims to enhance the language's status and raise global awareness of it, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of the Arabic language as a key element of Saudi national identity.
The ALLaM Challenge aims to develop AI models capable of writing and understanding Arabic poetry, accurately parsing sentences, and teaching children the Arabic language in an engaging way.
This initiative continues the Kingdom's efforts to serve the Arabic language, particularly in technical fields, by providing high-quality Arabic data and developing AI models that efficiently handle the language.
The international competition is held in partnership with IBM and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP).
Participants in the challenge aim to showcase their abilities and potential by developing and improving large language models (LLMs). The challenge will provide competitors with opportunities for training and workshops led by AI experts and specialists in Arabic language fields.
It will support the teams and evaluate their projects based on judging criteria that ensure the sustainability of the solutions and their transformation into real AI-driven projects that serve the Arabic language across various sectors and fields.



Closing Festival of 'Year of the Camel' Kicks Off in Riyadh

The festival offers a memorable conclusion to the Year of the Camel
The festival offers a memorable conclusion to the Year of the Camel
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Closing Festival of 'Year of the Camel' Kicks Off in Riyadh

The festival offers a memorable conclusion to the Year of the Camel
The festival offers a memorable conclusion to the Year of the Camel

The closing festival for the “Year of the Camel 2024,” organized by the Ministry of Culture, began on Thursday at Laysen Valley in Riyadh. Spanning three days, the event celebrates camels as cultural icons and integral elements of Saudi Arabia’s heritage.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Culture, the festival will highlight initiatives, milestones, and events that have amplified the cultural significance of camels and their legacy throughout 2024. It is designed to engage children, families, and tourists with an array of activities and experiences.
On the opening day, notable attractions include the “Camel Trails Parade,” a grand spectacle showcasing the authenticity of Saudi heritage and the historical and cultural importance of camels. Another highlight is “Al-Wajna,” a visually captivating 3D exhibit depicting the beauty of camels in their natural environments.
Visitors can also explore “Camp Hump,” a unique area offering camel-back journeys, or experience the “Light Projection” show, which features a stunning visual display celebrating the enduring bond between camels and humans.
The festival features a dedicated pavilion for the “Year of the Camel,” offering an immersive cultural journey through the year’s most notable initiatives. The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language will host an interactive pavilion that emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of camels in Arab heritage and their central role in Saudi culture.
Families will enjoy the “Mazyouna Initiative,” where children can engage in creative activities such as painting, photography, and interactive games. Additionally, live performances by skilled artisans will showcase traditional camel-related crafts, reflecting their exceptional expertise.
Food enthusiasts can savor diverse culinary offerings at the festival’s food court, which features restaurants, cafes, and vibrant vendors selling camel-related products.
The three-day celebration at Laysen Valley is more than just a festival—it is a cultural milestone. With immersive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant atmosphere, the event ensures every visitor departs with a deeper connection to Saudi Arabia’s heritage and identity. Serving as a tribute to camels as timeless symbols of unity, strength, and tradition, the festival offers a memorable conclusion to the “Year of the Camel.”