Jeddah Education Department wins 23 awards at Creativity 2026 and prepares for ISEF
Students from Jeddah schools achieved a remarkable national presence and a new scientific accomplishment, adding to the Kingdom's impressive record, by winning 23 major and special awards (local and international) at the conclusion of the 16th National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, "Ibdaa 2026." This achievement not only reflects the students' individual excellence but also highlights the quality of the educational system in the province and its ability to nurture talented individuals.
A warm welcome for the nation's heroes
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah witnessed an official and public reception this evening for the winning students upon their arrival. Among those welcoming them were the Assistant Director General of Education in Jeddah for Educational Affairs, along with a number of educational leaders and parents who came to celebrate their children. The arrivals hall was adorned with bouquets of flowers and messages of congratulations and pride, in recognition of the students' achievements that raise the nation's name high, and to encourage them before they embark on upcoming competitions.
“Creativity 2026”.. A gateway to global recognition
The National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, “Ibdaa,” organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba” in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is the most important annual science competition in the Kingdom for public school students. The Olympiad aims to provide a competitive environment that encourages students to take an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and to develop their spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation. The “Ibdaa 2026” edition is of particular importance as it is the primary platform for selecting projects that will represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at major international events.
The road to ISEF and the future of innovation
These awards are a first step towards a larger goal, as the winners prepare to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026), the world's largest science competition for secondary school students. The Kingdom places great importance on this participation, given the historic results achieved by the Saudi science and engineering team in previous editions, which have positioned the Kingdom among the leading nations in nurturing talent. Education officials are counting on Jeddah's champions to continue this golden journey and compete strongly for top global rankings, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to build a vibrant society and a knowledge-based economy.
Educational leadership praises the achievement
For her part, the Director General of Education in Jeddah Governorate, Manal bint Mubarak Al-Lahibi, extended her warmest congratulations to the students, their families, and their teachers. In a statement, Al-Lahibi affirmed that “this achievement reflects the level of excellence and academic maturity attained by Jeddah’s students, and embodies the fruit of the generous support the education sector receives from our wise leadership – may God protect them.”.
Al-Lahibi pointed to the importance of integrating efforts between the school, the family and educational authorities in creating this excellence, expressing her gratitude to the educational bodies and school administrations, and appreciating the pivotal role of the Capacity Development Department (the gifted section) in discovering, nurturing and qualifying these students to become the scientists of the future.
