Saudi Arabia is creating an AI-friendly ecosystem, supporting big data concepts and solutions through its smart city programs such as NEOM RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has announced the opening of registration for the second edition of the International AI Artathon 2021. Applications to take part in the event, that will run until Sept. 26, can be made online. The artathon is expected to attract those interested in AI music, interactive art, wall art, volumetric art, and data, and participants will compete and create artworks using AI technologies. Interactive arts, paintings, volumetric art, and music will make up the AI-based categories for the event. In August, a report showed that Saudi Arabia’s big data and artificial intelligence could reach $891.7 million in five years, a new report showed. The market reached $162.5 million in 2020, according to Reporterlink.com, and it could grow at an annual rate of 32.6 percent until 2026. The pandemic, the report said, has led to innovative solutions that supported Saudi Arabia’s response to the global health crisis. These include the Tawakkalna mobile application that facilitated curfew permits electronically, among others. The Kingdom is creating an AI-friendly ecosystem, supporting big data concepts and solutions through its smart city programs such as NEOM, the report said.