Talent enters Guinness World Records in the world's largest competition for innovative solutions
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has written a new chapter in its record of international achievements, with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) achieving a Guinness World Record. This well-deserved recognition came from the 16th National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, "Ibdaa 2026," which was officially recognized as the world's largest competition for innovative solutions, reflecting the Kingdom's significant investment in developing young minds.
Unprecedented figures reflect a passion for innovation
This achievement did not come about by chance, but rather as a result of a broad scientific movement. This edition witnessed a record turnout, with over 357,000 students from across the Kingdom registering, achieving a remarkable growth rate of 22.7% compared to the previous year. This movement resulted in the submission of more than 34,000 high-quality scientific projects, through which students from across the Kingdom competed to find innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, confirming the breadth of talent and the deep-rooted culture of scientific research among the new generation.
Strategic context: Vision 2030 and the knowledge economy
This event holds strategic significance that transcends mere record-breaking; it directly aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and its human capital development program. Since its inception, Mawhiba has worked in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for talent. This Guinness World Record is an international testament to the Kingdom's success in transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, where the focus is no longer solely on traditional academic achievement, but has shifted to knowledge production, innovation, and international competitiveness.
Institutional integration and high-level recognition
In a scene reflecting the leadership's interest in and support for the talent sector, the Guinness World Records certificate was received by Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mawhiba, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Anqari, and the Foundation's Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Kridis, during the closing ceremony of the Olympiad in Riyadh. This high-level attendance underscores the integration among state institutions to empower talented individuals and provide a fertile environment for their creativity.
From local to global: The road to ISEF
The Ibdaa Olympiad serves as the primary gateway for Saudi innovators to reach global platforms, most notably the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Projects, rigorously judged by a panel of leading academics and specialists, are not confined to the national competition but are refined and developed to represent the Kingdom internationally. This record-breaking achievement reinforces confidence in the outcomes of Saudi education and its competitive edge, solidifying the Kingdom's position as a rising soft power in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
