Saudi Arabia Leads Global Youth AI Competition with Top Medal Count
Saudi Arabia Leads Global Youth AI Competition with Top Medal Count
Riyadh, December 14, 2024 – Saudi Arabia has emerged as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, ranking first in the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Competition for Youth (WAICY). The Kingdom outperformed 129 countries, with its students securing the highest number of medals among over 18,000 participants worldwide.
Record-Breaking Achievement in AI
Saudi Arabia’s youth brought home an impressive 22 medals, including gold, silver, and bronze, as well as special awards. This remarkable performance placed the Kingdom ahead of major competitors like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Greece, Canada, and Singapore.
The achievement reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing expertise in data and artificial intelligence, reinforcing its vision to prepare a new generation proficient in cutting-edge AI technologies.
Massive Participation and Innovation
A total of 1,298 Saudi students competed in the event, presenting 662 innovative projects. Their efforts earned Saudi Arabia the top spot in the medal tally. These students were supported by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which has been a driving force behind the Kingdom’s success in the competition.
SDAIA’s initiatives focus on equipping young Saudis with the skills to apply AI in solving real-world challenges. By encouraging students to explore practical uses of AI, the program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of advancing education and technological innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Global Medal Tally
Saudi Arabia led the competition with 22 medals, followed by the United States with 20. Other countries in the medal tally included:
- India and Greece: 5 medals each
- Canada: 4 medals
- The Philippines: 3 medals
- The United Arab Emirates: 2 medals
- Oman, Australia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom: 1 medal each
Tracks and Categories
Saudi students participated across four key tracks:
- AI Showcase – Innovative AI projects
- AI-Generated Art – Creative uses of AI in visual arts
- AI Large Language Model – Advanced applications in language-based AI
- AI-Generated Video – Video production using AI tools
The competition showcased the advanced skill level of Saudi students, from primary to high school, in understanding and applying AI technologies across diverse fields.
AI Awareness and Global Recognition
Saudi Arabia’s success in WAICY aligns with findings from Stanford University’s AI Index Report 2023, which ranked the Kingdom second globally in societal awareness of AI. The report revealed a high level of trust among Saudi citizens in using AI-based products and services, highlighting the nation’s openness to embracing AI in everyday life.
A Bright Future in AI
This milestone achievement is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a tech-savvy generation capable of leading in AI and digital innovation. The Kingdom’s dedication to education and technological advancement ensures a promising future for its youth and positions it as a global leader in artificial intelligence.
