Riyadh: The largest national event dedicated to advancing the Arabic language, the ALLaM Challenge, kicked off today in a three-day function organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in collaboration with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, bringing together over 600 participants from 17 countries.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the challenge aims to foster the development of cutting-edge AI models capable of comprehending and generating Arabic text, parsing sentences accurately, and engaging children in fun and effective language learning. By providing high-quality Arabic language data and encouraging the development of advanced AI models, the Kingdom seeks to elevate the status of Arabic in the digital age.

The event in Riyadh, sponsored by IBM and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), offers a total prize pool of SAR1 million. Participants will compete to develop innovative solutions for large language models (LLMs), benefiting
from mentorship and guidance from over 50 experts in AI and Arabic language. The winning projects will be recognized for their potential to revolutionize various sectors and promote the widespread use of the language in AI applications.

The ALLaM Challenge, launched at the third Global Artificial Intelligence Summit (GAIN) in September, aligns with SDAIA’s efforts to position a vibrant and influential language in the digital world. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the challenge aims to strengthen Arabic’s global presence and empower future generations of AI developers.