Launch of Creativity 2026: A scientific competition to represent the Kingdom globally
All eyes will be on Riyadh next Sunday as the 16th edition of the "Ibdaa" Science and Engineering Fair (Ibdaa 2026) kicks off. Organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity "Mawhiba" in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, this prominent scientific event will be held at the Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz International Conference Center until January 29th, featuring a select group of the nation's brightest young minds.
The journey of competition: From hundreds of thousands to the elite
This exhibition represents the fifth and final stage of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, where 200 high-quality scientific projects compete across 22 specialized scientific fields. These projects underwent rigorous screening and judging processes, having been selected from over 34,000 submissions. This edition also set a historic record for registration, with over 357,000 students from across the Kingdom participating, reflecting the growing passion for science and innovation among the younger generation.
Gateway to international platforms
The importance of “Ibdaa 2026” extends beyond local competition; it serves as the primary gateway for representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at major international events. Through this exhibition, 68 winners will qualify to represent the nation in prestigious global competitions, most notably the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States, as well as the ITEX exhibition in Malaysia and the TAISF in Taiwan.
It is worth noting that the Kingdom has made significant strides in these competitions in recent years, with the Saudi Science and Engineering Team becoming a formidable force and a constant competitor for major prizes, surpassing industrially advanced countries. This places a responsibility on the new qualifiers to preserve this honorable legacy and enhance the Saudi presence globally.
Strategic impact and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity holds strategic importance that transcends its role as a student competition; it is a key contributor to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically within the Human Capital Development Program. This program aims to transform the Kingdom into a globally competitive knowledge-based society by investing in human capital and nurturing talented individuals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This scientific movement contributes to preparing a generation of researchers and scientists capable of creating solutions to contemporary problems, and supporting a national economy based on knowledge and innovation instead of total dependence on natural resources.
Accompanying activities and a stimulating environment
In addition to the scientific competitions, the exhibition features a range of accompanying events designed to enrich the experience of visitors and participants. These include specialized workshops, scientific and educational lectures, and informational booths for the Mawhiba Foundation and its knowledge partners. These events aim to promote a culture of scientific research and innovation within the community and highlight national opportunities and programs that support creative individuals, thus creating a stimulating environment for discovering more latent national talent.
