The Creativity Exhibition 2026 kicks off, with 200 students competing to represent Saudi Arabia
All eyes will be on the Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz International Conference Center next Sunday, as the 16th edition of the Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair, "Ibdaa 2026," kicks off. This prominent national event, organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity "Mawhiba" in close strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, represents the pinnacle of scientific competition among the Kingdom's students. It will run until January 29th, amidst great anticipation for the names that will represent the nation on the international stage.
The journey to the elite
The exhibition marks the fifth and decisive stage of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, showcasing fierce competition among 200 high-quality scientific projects. These elite students did not reach this stage by chance; rather, they are the culmination of a rigorous and lengthy selection process that included over 34,000 scientific projects in the initial stages. These projects were judged and the best were chosen through central and regional exhibitions, reflecting the high standards of quality and competitiveness in this edition.
Gateway to Global Success: ISEF and Beyond
The significance of "Ibdaa 2026" extends beyond local recognition; it serves as a gateway to global recognition. Sixty-eight winners will be selected from among the participants to represent Saudi Arabia in major international competitions, most notably the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States, as well as ITEX in Malaysia and TAISF in Taiwan. These participations build upon the series of historic achievements of the Saudi science and engineering team in recent years, establishing the Kingdom as a formidable force and a fierce competitor for top prizes at these events.
Integrated scientific environment
The competitors cover 22 specialized scientific fields, ranging from medicine and engineering to energy, artificial intelligence, and environmental science. The exhibition is accompanied by a rich program of events, including specialized workshops, educational lectures, and information booths for knowledge partners. These events aim to foster a culture of research and innovation among visitors, inspire the next generation of scientists, and highlight national efforts to nurture talent.
Record number and national targets
The 2026 edition of the "Creativity" competition set an unprecedented record, with over 357,000 students from across the Kingdom registering. This overwhelming response reflects the success of the "Mawhiba" strategy and the Ministry of Education in expanding the base of talent and innovation, directly aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capability Development Program, which aims to build a globally competitive citizenry and prepare a generation capable of leading the knowledge economy and shaping the future.
