Five Saudi female students win at ISEF 2026 awards | A national achievement
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved another scientific milestone, adding to its impressive record of successes, as five Saudi female students garnered attention and achieved a remarkable victory at the ISEF 2026 Special Awards. Students Noor Faisal Al-Atwi, Jana Al-Dossari, Lana Abu Talib, Shaima Al-Katani, and Al-Jawhara Bin Zara’a each won valuable special prizes presented by Saudi Aramco during the awards ceremony at the International Science and Engineering Fair. This outstanding achievement reflects the significant support and attention given by the wise leadership to the education and innovation sector in the Kingdom.
The Saudi team participating in this year's science competitions comprises 42 outstanding young minds. Participation was divided between 23 students who were physically present in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and 17 students who competed remotely from Riyadh, the capital. Two students also participated as observers. This diverse representation underscores the Kingdom's commitment to overcoming all obstacles to ensure the continued scientific excellence of its youth under all circumstances.
A rich history and global competition at ISEF
The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world's largest pre-college science competition. Founded in the United States, this prestigious fair attracts thousands of talented students from over 80 countries each year to present their research and innovations in diverse scientific and engineering fields. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's participation in this global event, represented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education, has been a firmly established annual tradition since 2007. Throughout this long history, Saudi students have demonstrated exceptional competence and the ability to compete with their peers from developed countries, making the Kingdom a formidable force on the international stage.
The strategic and local impact of achieving the ISEF 2026 awards
Winning international competitions and receiving ISEF 2026 awards is not merely a personal honor for the students; it carries significant strategic implications at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this achievement contributes to strengthening the knowledge-based national economy and aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build an innovative generation capable of leading the future. Regionally, it solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in supporting scientific research and nurturing talent in the Middle East. Internationally, these awards enhance the Kingdom's soft power and highlight its role as an active partner in finding solutions to global challenges through scientific innovation.
A proven track record of major and special awards
This achievement was not a sudden occurrence, but rather the culmination of a distinguished history of innovation. In its previous participations at ISEF, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has garnered a total of 185 awards, comprising 124 major awards and 61 special awards. It is a source of great pride that in the last edition of the exhibition, the Kingdom ranked second globally in the number of major awards won, trailing only the United States. This upward trajectory in accolades underscores that investing in young minds is the winning strategy for building a bright and sustainable future.
