Tuwaiq Academy Students Win Apple Swift Challenge

Tuwaiq Academy, in partnership with the Apple Developer Academy, celebrated its students’ victory in Apple’s WWDC25 Swift Student Challenge, with two of its learners recognized among the top 50 winners worldwide out of 350 selected from around the globe. The announcement, released via the Saudi Press Agency on April 11, 2025, marks a milestone for Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing digital education ecosystem and underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing world-class technical talent under Vision 2030.

The winning students — Manar Al-Ghamdi, Yomna Eisa, Kadi Al-Yahya, Shimaa Bashamakh, and Shaza Al-Mukhaylid — were invited to attend an upcoming Apple event for developers in California, where they will join a global community of young innovators. Their applications addressed themes ranging from accessibility and neuroscience to environmental awareness and space exploration, reflecting a generation of Saudi developers who are using technology to serve community needs. Is it any wonder that the Kingdom’s investment in human capital is drawing international recognition?

Context and Background

How did a group of students from Riyadh come to be counted among the world’s most promising young developers? The answer lies in a deliberate national strategy to build a knowledge-based economy. Tuwaiq Academy, an initiative under the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, launched the Apple Developer Academy in collaboration with Apple as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. The academy’s nine-month academic program employs a self-directed learning methodology, allowing students to explore the latest technologies while developing applications that serve diverse community needs.

The Swift Student Challenge is an annual global competition that invites young developers to showcase their coding skills by creating an app playground using Swift, Apple’s programming language. Winners are selected for originality, creativity, social impact, and technical accomplishment. Being named among the top 50 globally is a rare distinction, and for two Saudi students to achieve it in the same cycle speaks to the depth of talent emerging from the Kingdom’s training programs.

This achievement aligns with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy away from oil and cultivate a skilled workforce capable of competing on the global stage. The Kingdom has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, education, and innovation hubs, and the results are increasingly visible in international competitions and partnerships.

Key Details

What exactly did these young innovators create? Apple spotlighted the innovative “Eye Opener” application by student Manar Al-Ghamdi, designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities through a dedicated audio application. The app demonstrates how thoughtful design can remove barriers and improve daily life for people with visual impairments or other challenges. Student Yomna Eisa developed “Hum & Purr” to educate users about the nervous system through simplified exercises using artificial intelligence, making complex biology accessible to a broader audience.

Kadi Al-Yahya created “Orbital Sweepe,” which raises awareness about the importance of addressing pollution, while Shimaa Bashamakh’s “Space Memory” explores space and its key facts. Student Shaza Al-Mukhaylid developed “Morse Mission,” targeted at children aged 12-15, to teach the Morse code and its essential symbols and ciphers. Each project reflects a distinct social purpose, from health education to environmental stewardship and historical communication methods. The diversity of themes illustrates the academy’s emphasis on creativity with impact.

These students had previously developed several applications serving various community needs, utilizing the latest technologies throughout their nine-month academic program at Tuwaiq Academy. Their journey from learners to globally recognized developers highlights the effectiveness of hands-on, project-based education. The academy’s collaboration with Apple provides students with access to world-class curriculum, mentorship, and a network that extends far beyond Saudi Arabia.

International and Regional Impact

How does this achievement resonate beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders? The recognition of Saudi students in a competition dominated by participants from dozens of countries signals the Kingdom’s rising stature in the global technology landscape. It also strengthens the Middle East and North Africa region’s reputation as a source of digital innovation, not merely a consumer of technology. For Apple, partnering with Tuwaiq Academy represents a strategic investment in a young, tech-savvy population that is increasingly shaping regional trends.

The invitation to attend an Apple developer event in California offers these students a platform to exchange ideas with peers from around the world, potentially leading to collaborations, internships, and career opportunities. Such exposure can catalyze further innovation when they return home, enriching the local ecosystem with new perspectives and skills. It also encourages other Saudi students to pursue coding and app development, knowing that international recognition is within reach.

Regionally, the success story may inspire similar educational initiatives in neighboring countries, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in digital skills training. The Kingdom’s focus on youth empowerment and technology aligns with its broader diplomatic and economic outreach, demonstrating soft power through tangible achievements.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What does this mean for Saudi Arabia’s economic future? A skilled workforce is the bedrock of a diversified economy, and the students’ success validates the Kingdom’s investments in human capital. As Saudi Arabia expands its digital economy, local talent will be essential to sustain growth in sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and app development. The applications created by these students address real-world problems, indicating a market-ready mindset that can translate into startups and job creation.

Moreover, the partnership with Apple enhances the Kingdom’s attractiveness as a hub for technology companies seeking to tap into regional markets. By cultivating local developers who are fluent in global platforms, Saudi Arabia can attract more foreign direct investment and foster knowledge transfer. The economic ripple effects include higher productivity, innovation, and export potential for Saudi-made digital products.

Strategically, the achievement reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030’s goal of increasing the contribution of small and medium enterprises and boosting non-oil GDP. It also supports the National Strategy for Data and AI, which aims to position Saudi Arabia among the top nations in these fields. The students’ winning apps, though diverse in focus, collectively demonstrate the power of technology to improve lives and drive progress.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does this victory connect to Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision? Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, places education, innovation, and youth at the heart of national transformation. The Tuwaiq Academy students embody these principles, showing that Saudi youth can compete and excel globally when given the right tools and opportunities. Their success is a testament to the Kingdom’s efforts to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in programs like the Apple Developer Academy, it is creating a pipeline of talent that will power future industries. The recognition from Apple is not just a win for the students but a validation of the national strategy to empower citizens through education. It signals to the world that the Kingdom is serious about becoming a knowledge economy and a leader in technology and innovation.

In conclusion, the celebration at Tuwaiq Academy is a moment of pride for Saudi Arabia and a clear indication that Vision 2030 is delivering results. With each international accolade, the Kingdom moves closer to its goal of a diversified, sustainable future. The students’ journey from Riyadh to California is a story of ambition, hard work, and the transformative power of education — a story that will inspire generations to come.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did Tuwaiq Academy celebrate?

A1. Tuwaiq Academy celebrated its students’ victory in Apple’s WWDC25 Swift Student Challenge, where two students were recognized among the top 50 winners globally.

Q2. How many winners were selected worldwide in the Swift Student Challenge?

A2. Apple selected 350 winners from around the world, and among them, two Tuwaiq Academy students were named in the top 50.

Q3. Which Saudi students were recognized by Apple?

A3. Manar Al-Ghamdi, Yomna Eisa, Kadi Al-Yahya, Shimaa Bashamakh, and Shaza Al-Mukhaylid were the recognized students from Tuwaiq Academy.

Q4. What is the name of Manar Al-Ghamdi’s application?

A4. Manar Al-Ghamdi developed “Eye Opener,” an audio application designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Q5. What does Yomna Eisa’s app “Hum & Purr” teach?

A5. “Hum & Purr” educates users about the nervous system through simplified exercises using artificial intelligence.

Q6. What is the focus of Kadi Al-Yahya’s app “Orbital Sweepe”?

A6. “Orbital Sweepe” raises awareness about the importance of addressing pollution and environmental issues.

Q7. What is Shimaa Bashamakh’s app “Space Memory” about?

A7. “Space Memory” explores space and its key facts, aiming to educate users about astronomy and related topics.

Q8. Who is the target audience for Shaza Al-Mukhaylid’s “Morse Mission”?

A8. “Morse Mission” is targeted at children aged 12-15 to teach them the Morse code and its essential symbols and ciphers.

Q9. Where were the winning students invited?

A9. The winners were invited to attend an upcoming Apple event for developers in California, USA.

Q10. What is the Apple Developer Academy at Tuwaiq Academy?

A10. It is the first Apple Developer Academy in the Middle East and North Africa, launched in collaboration with Apple to enhance technical skills.

Q11. How long is the academic program at Tuwaiq Academy?

A11. The program is a nine-month academic course held at Tuwaiq Academy, focusing on self-directed learning and app development.

Q12. What learning methodology does the academy use?

A12. The academy employs a self-directed learning methodology, allowing students to explore technologies and develop applications independently.

Q13. What is the Swift Student Challenge?

A13. It is an annual global competition by Apple that invites young developers to create app playgrounds using Swift and showcase their coding skills.

Q14. How does this achievement align with Vision 2030?

A14. It supports Vision 2030 by fostering a skilled workforce, promoting innovation, and diversifying the economy away from oil dependence.

Q15. What government entity is Tuwaiq Academy associated with?

A15. Tuwaiq Academy is an initiative under the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, aligned with national digital goals.

Q16. What impact does this recognition have on Saudi Arabia’s tech sector?

A16. It highlights the Kingdom’s growing talent pool, attracts investment, and encourages more youth to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

Q17. Have these students developed other applications before?

A17. Yes, the students had previously developed several applications serving various community needs during their nine-month program at the academy.

Q18. What themes do the winning apps address?

A18. The apps address accessibility, neuroscience, pollution awareness, space exploration, and communication history, showing diverse social impact.

Q19. How does this victory reflect on Saudi Arabia’s education system?

A19. It demonstrates the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s investment in digital education and its ability to produce world-class talent.

Q20. What is the significance of being among the top 50 winners?

A20. Being in the top 50 globally is a rare honor that validates the students’ skills and positions Saudi Arabia as a rising tech hub.