200 students qualified for the 2026 Creativity finals and will represent Saudi Arabia at ISEF
In a move reflecting the rapid development of the research and innovation system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, announced the final list of qualifiers for the Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair 2026. The list includes 200 high-quality scientific projects by a select group of Saudi students, who will compete in Riyadh in January 2026 for the chance to represent the Kingdom internationally at the ISEF Science and Engineering Fair in the United States.
Event details and final competitions
Riyadh is scheduled to host the closing events from January 25 to 29, 2026, at the Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz International Conference Center. This event marks the final and decisive stage of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, where students will undergo rigorous evaluation by judging panels comprised of local and international experts and academics to select the names that will represent the Kingdom at the world's largest science and engineering competition, ISEF 2026.
The qualifying journey: From 357,000 to the elite
Reaching this list was no easy feat; it was the culmination of a long and arduous scientific marathon. The "Creativity 2026" edition set a historic record with the participation of over 357,000 students from various educational districts across the Kingdom, reflecting the rising generation's passion for science and innovation. These projects underwent multiple selection stages, including exhibitions in 16 educational regions, culminating in central exhibitions where 500 students competed. Ultimately, the top 200 research and innovation projects, possessing the potential for global competition, were chosen.
Historical context and Saudi leadership in ISEF
These preparations come at a time when Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable and unprecedented presence at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in recent years. Saudi participation has transformed from mere attendance to fierce competition for major awards, with the Saudi Science and Engineering Team achieving historic milestones in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 editions, winning dozens of major and special awards and outperforming countries advanced in scientific research. This impressive record places a significant responsibility on those qualifying for the 2026 edition to maintain and enhance this national achievement.
Strategic importance and its impact on Vision 2030
The role of "Ibdaa" (Creativity) is not limited to being a scientific competition; it is a cornerstone for achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically regarding the Human Capital Development Program. These competitions aim to cultivate a generation of scientists and innovators capable of leading the knowledge economy and shifting from consuming technology to producing it. The partnership between "Mawhiba" (King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity) and the Ministry of Education provides a nurturing environment that identifies talented individuals early on and offers them intensive support and training programs that meet the highest international standards, ensuring their readiness to meet global scientific challenges.
Arbitration standards and training programs
The selected students undergo intensive training programs and specialized workshops before the final exhibition to ensure the development of their presentation, public speaking, and scientific research writing skills. The judging panels base their evaluations on rigorous criteria, including the originality of the idea, the scientific methodology, the clarity of the results, and the capacity for innovation, thus ensuring that the projects chosen to represent the Kingdom are the most competent and capable of competing on the international stage.
