Saudi universities have earned international recognition after winning multiple honours at the finals of the International AI on Education Competition in Hong Kong. The awards highlight the Kingdom’s growing contribution to developing artificial intelligence solutions that improve teaching, learning and student outcomes.
The competition brought together students, researchers and innovators from around the world to present AI-powered technologies designed to enhance education. Organised by the Artificial Intelligence Research and Education Alliance and The Education University of Hong Kong, the event recognised projects with practical applications in education.
Notably, 15 teams from Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council countries reached the international finals after qualifying through regional rounds hosted by Umm Al-Qura University.
Saudi Universities Receive International Recognition
Saudi universities secured awards across several categories, reflecting the country’s expanding expertise in artificial intelligence and educational innovation.
Umm Al-Qura University delivered one of the strongest performances, winning awards for Innovative Problem Discovery, Overall Performance and Excellence in Educational Impact. The university also received multiple Merit Awards and was recognised as an international partner of the competition for hosting the Gulf regional qualifying round.
Meanwhile, King Saud University won an Excellence Award in the Zoom Presentation category and was also named a finalist in the Embodied AI stream.
The University of Jeddah and Baha University each received an Overall Performance Award for their innovative projects.
AI Platform Supports Students with ADHD
Jouf University received an Excellence Award for Morph, an adaptive learning platform created to support university students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Developed by students Ghaida Al-Fallah and Safiyah Al-Rahim under the supervision of Mashail Al-Khamsan, the platform uses electroencephalography signals to monitor students’ attention in real time. It automatically adapts learning materials when concentration levels begin to decline.
The project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can create more personalised learning experiences while improving accessibility for students with different learning needs.
More Universities Recognised for Innovation
Several other Saudi institutions also received Merit Awards for education technology projects.
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University was recognised for its AI-powered virtual laboratory for plant tissue culture training.
King Faisal University received a Merit Award for its adaptive learning intelligence system.
Majmaah University was recognised for its project, “3MIN TO WIN.”
In addition, Makkah Colleges received a Merit Award, while a team from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University earned an Excellence Award and advanced to the finals in another competition stream.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
The results reflect Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in artificial intelligence, research and higher education under Vision 2030.
Universities across the Kingdom are increasingly developing technologies that address real educational challenges while strengthening international research partnerships and innovation.
For students, these achievements demonstrate expanding opportunities to participate in globally recognised research and technology projects. For educators and universities, the awards reinforce the value of investing in AI-driven teaching, inclusive learning and international collaboration.
Why This Matters for Educators and Students
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of higher education worldwide.
The success of Saudi universities shows how students and researchers can develop practical technologies that improve learning experiences, support inclusion and solve real classroom challenges. It also strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a growing centre for educational innovation in the region.
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