King Abdulaziz University, Ministry of Tourism Partner to Advance Digital Innovation and Talent Development

King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Applied College, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Tourism to strengthen collaboration in innovation, digital transformation, and research. The partnership aims to develop technological solutions that support the tourism sector and enhance the efficiency and quality of its services.

King Abdulaziz University was represented at the signing by Professor Mohammed Balubaid, Dean of the Applied College, while the Ministry of Tourism was represented by Majed Alhumaid, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation and Technology. The agreement supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the role of educational institutions in developing national talent and aligning education and research outcomes with the needs of key sectors.

The partnership focuses on seven key objectives: building national capabilities in digital transformation and emerging technologies; supporting the application of research outcomes and student innovations; promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise; encouraging digital innovation through hackathons and competitions; activating the role of innovation labs and centers; advancing research and development in emerging technologies; and developing joint research projects and studies.

Areas of cooperation include training programs and workshops in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, identifying priority challenges and transforming them into research projects, establishing channels for knowledge exchange, and organizing joint competitions and hackathons. The University’s innovation labs will also be utilized to develop and test prototypes and turn ideas into practical, implementable solutions.

Under the agreement, 50 students will be trained annually in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, while one joint hackathon will be organized each year. The partnership will also support one research study and one research paper annually, in addition to holding open innovation sessions to address real-world challenges and develop preliminary solutions that can be put into practice.

Through this partnership, King Abdulaziz University and the Ministry of Tourism aim to turn academic and technical collaboration into practical projects and initiatives that advance digital services, foster innovation, empower national talent, and align research more closely with the real-world challenges and needs of the tourism sector.