Riyadh Governor Opens Seventh International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation, Honors King Salman International Award Winners
Under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and on his behalf, Riyadh Region Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz today opened the Seventh International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation. Organized by the King Salman Center for Disability Research, the conference is being held from October 11 to 13, 2026, at the InterContinental Riyadh Hotel.
Upon arrival, Prince Faisal was received by Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Center for Disability Research, and President of the Seventh International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Several senior officials and members of the conference's Supreme Supervisory Committee were also present.
In a press statement on the occasion, the Riyadh Region governor affirmed the leadership's commitment to supporting all efforts that achieve tangible, practical results and help change the lives of persons with disabilities.
He highlighted the conference's scientific program, which includes lectures, scientific and discussion sessions, and specialized workshops. He also noted the international interest and participation in the King Salman International Award for Disability Research. He said recognition from scholars and researchers around the world reflects the award's global standing. It also highlights the role of the Kingdom and the King Salman Center for Disability Research in supporting persons with disabilities and keeping pace with rapid advances in medicine, technology, and science.
The conference opened with the Royal Anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. Prince Sultan bin Salman then delivered a speech expressing his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his generous patronage of the event and continued support for disability issues and scientific research.
The conference's scientific and discussion program runs for three days and features keynote lectures, scientific and discussion sessions, and specialized workshops. Topics include health, medical, rehabilitation, psychological, educational, and social issues; genomic research; developmental disorders; assistive technologies; artificial intelligence; and universal accessibility. Researchers and experts from various disciplines and countries are participating.
Accompanying events include an artificial intelligence hackathon for persons with disabilities, aimed at developing technological solutions based on actual needs to promote independence and improve quality of life. A total of 159 teams qualified for the acceleration phase, which ran for seven weeks under the supervision of specialized experts. The teams are preparing for the final stage, where their projects will be presented to judging panels.
