The UN World Tourism Organization’s regional office in Riyadh announced the launch of a competition designed for Saudi startups that are harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) within the travel industry.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge invites entries until Friday and aims to spotlight innovative companies that enhance user experiences and promote sustainability through AI technologies.

Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East, Samer Al-Kharashi, underscored the significant impact of AI on the tourism sector, urging entrepreneurs to adopt AI solutions to foster innovation.

Startups that advance to the final stages of the competition will benefit from access to a global network of mentors and industry leaders.

Winners will have the chance to present their ideas at the UN Tourism Demo Day and participate in an acceleration program at SPARK, the innovation hub of Les Roches.

Read more

Airlines eye ‘new frontier’ of AI ahead of global summit

Qatar Airways launches first-ever AI cabin crew

No nation can overcome challenges alone, says PM Shehbaz at Riyadh moot

Al-Kharashi also emphasized Saudi Arabia’s dedication to digital transformation as part of its Vision 2030 initiatives, noting that the competition aligns with the Kingdom’s strategic goals and provides a platform for emerging AI talent.

Notable examples of AI applications in Saudi tourism include NEOM’s use of the Arena OneBrain system for personalized travel experiences and Red Sea Global’s introduction of an AI-powered beach-cleaning robot to support environmental sustainability.

This initiative reflects the UN’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the tourism sector, ensuring that local entrepreneurs play a crucial role in shaping the future of global travel.