Creativity 2026: 200 projects qualified to represent Saudi Arabia at ISEF
In a move reflecting the Kingdom's rapid progress in science and innovation, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, announced the final list of qualifiers for the Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair 2026. The list includes 200 high-quality scientific projects by a select group of the Kingdom's students, who will compete in Riyadh in January 2026 for a chance to represent the Kingdom internationally at the ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair).
Details of the final competitions in Riyadh
Riyadh is scheduled to host the final events from January 25 to 29, 2026, at the Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz International Conference Center. This event is the final and crucial stage before the national team is formed, where students will undergo a direct and comprehensive evaluation to determine who will represent the Kingdom at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026) in the United States, the world's largest science competition for public school students.
The qualifying journey: From 357,000 to the elite
Reaching this list was no easy feat; it was the culmination of a long and intensive scientific marathon that lasted several months. The "Creativity 2026" edition witnessed an unprecedented historical turnout, with over 357,000 students from various educational districts across the Kingdom registering, reflecting the rising generation's passion for scientific research and innovation. These massive numbers underwent rigorous selection processes, beginning with school and regional exhibitions, culminating in central exhibitions where 500 students presented their projects to specialized judging panels in four major cities. Ultimately, the top 200 promising projects were chosen.
Historical context and Saudi presence globally
These qualifying rounds are particularly significant given Saudi Arabia's impressive track record on the international stage recently. The Kingdom has become a formidable force and a consistent competitor at ISEF, where the Saudi team has won dozens of major and special awards in previous editions, outperforming industrially advanced nations. "Ibdaa 2026" aims to build upon this success, as these qualifiers are seen as future leaders who will safeguard national achievements and further enhance the Kingdom's position on the global innovation map.
Strict arbitration standards and an ambitious national vision
The shortlisted projects undergo rigorous scientific evaluation by a panel of leading local and international academics and experts. These criteria extend beyond the quality of the scientific research itself, encompassing the originality of the idea, the research methodology, and the ability to solve real-world problems. This effort aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capital Development Program, which aims to cultivate a globally competitive citizenry and establish a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation. The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education are the primary incubators of this strategic transformation.
