RIYADH: In an era where technology is shaping the Kingdom’s future, 23-year-old Mariam Al-Ahmar is emerging as an inspiration for Saudi Arabia’s young people seeking to contribute to their nation’s development.
A graduate of Prince Sattam University with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, Al-Ahmar recently won first place in the Mediathon hackathon, a competition organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology earlier this year in May.
She also secured third place in Tamkeenthon, a health-focused competition organized by the Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities from November 2023 to January this year.
Al-Ahmar’s success story has resonated throughout Saudi Arabia, leading to appearances on prominent channels including Al-Akhbariya's "120 Minutes" and MBC's "Good Morning Arabs."
Reflecting on her experiences in the Mediathon and Tamkeenthon competitions, Al-Ahmar described her journey as “enriching” and challenging.
Trying to identify a real-world problem that needed a solution required deep introspection and creativity, she said.
Al-Ahmar told Arab News: “Presenting and articulating this issue and its remedy to the judging committee was another obstacle. However, through effective teamwork with my dedicated colleagues, we successfully navigated these challenges and triumphed.”
In an age where technology often champions individual genius, Al-Ahmar’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of collective effort and support.
“The passion for technology fueled my pursuit of software engineering,” she said. “Prince Sattam University played a pivotal role in my journey by providing me with a solid educational foundation.”
When asked about the factors that set her work apart, Al-Ahmar said: “I attribute the distinctiveness of our work to a combination of innovative problem-solving approaches, meticulous attention to detail, and a collaborative team dynamic.”
She added: “These factors, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence, set our projects apart from those of our competitors.”
She offered advice to students aspiring to follow in her footsteps. “Always remember that challenges are opportunities for growth. Embrace them wholeheartedly and work with dedication and perseverance.”
“Utilize your education as a strong foundation to tackle real-world problems creatively. Lastly, never underestimate the power of hard work, determination, and continuous learning in achieving your goals,” Al-Ahmar said.
