Saudi Arabia maintained its position in second place globally, after the United States, at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026 for the third consecutive year. This achievement reflects the kingdom’s growing presence at the largest global forum for research and innovation projects for pre-university students. The Saudi national science and engineering team achieved advanced rankings in several scientific fields at the fair, including 12 grand prizes: one first-place prize, four second-place prizes, five third-place prizes, and two fourth-place prizes, in addition to 12 special awards. The kingdom ranked second globally in the number of grand prizes, ahead of other major participating countries, during the edition held in Phoenix, Arizona, from May 9 to 15, with the participation of over 1,700 students representing approximately 70 countries. Saudi Arabia has participated annually in ISEF since 2007, represented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education. Its tally of awards for this year’s edition rose to 209, including 136 grand prizes and 73 special awards. The Saudi national science and engineering team consists of 40 students, plus two observers; 23 students participated in person in Phoenix, while 17 students competed remotely from Riyadh. The students were nominated to represent the kingdom after a national competition involving over 357,000 students, who submitted more than 34,000 scientific projects in 22 fields as part of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity (Ibdae 2026).
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest pre-college science competition, founded in 1950 by the Society for Science & the Public. It brings together thousands of high school students from over 80 countries annually to present their research across various scientific disciplines. Originally known as the National Science Fair, it has grown into a prestigious global event, with Regeneron becoming the title sponsor in 2019, awarding millions in scholarships and prizes.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is the capital and most populous city of the state, known for its hot desert climate and rapid growth. Originally settled by the Hohokam people, who built extensive canal systems, the area was later developed by American settlers in the 19th century, with the city officially incorporated in 1881. Today, Phoenix is a major cultural and economic hub in the Southwest, blending modern urban life with rich Native American and frontier history.
King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba)
Mawhiba is a Saudi Arabian foundation established in 1999 to identify and nurture gifted and creative individuals across various fields. It was founded under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to support national talent development, offering specialized programs, scholarships, and resources to help gifted students reach their full potential. The foundation plays a key role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s human capital and innovation as part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education is a key government building in many countries, responsible for overseeing national educational policies and systems. Its history often reflects the evolution of public schooling and literacy efforts, with many ministries established in the 19th or early 20th centuries as formal education became a state priority. For example, in China, the Ministry of Education was founded in 1949, playing a central role in shaping the country’s modern educational framework.
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Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world’s largest pre-college science competition, bringing together thousands of high school students from over 80 countries to present their research. Founded in 1950 by the Society for Science, it was originally known as the National Science Fair and later expanded to become an international event. The competition has a storied history of showcasing young scientific talent, with Regeneron becoming the title sponsor in 2019, continuing a legacy of fostering innovation and awarding millions in scholarships and prizes.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is the capital and largest city of the state, known for its hot desert climate and rapid growth. Originally settled by the Hohokam people, who built extensive irrigation canals, the area was later claimed by the United States and officially founded in 1868, with its name symbolizing the rise of a new civilization from ancient ruins. Today, it serves as a major cultural and economic hub in the Southwestern United States.
King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba)
Mawhiba is a Saudi Arabian foundation established in 1999 to identify and nurture gifted and creative individuals across the country. Named after King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, the organization was created to honor his legacy by developing human capital through specialized educational programs and support. It plays a key role in fostering innovation and talent in science, technology, and the arts, contributing to the nation’s long-term development goals.
Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education is a government department responsible for overseeing national educational policies, standards, and institutions. Its history often reflects a country’s evolving priorities in literacy, schooling, and workforce development, with many such ministries established in the 19th or 20th centuries as public education became widespread. Today, it typically manages curriculum, funding, and teacher regulations to ensure accessible and quality education for citizens.
National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity (Ibdae 2026)
The National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity (Ibdae 2026) is a prestigious competition in Saudi Arabia designed to foster innovation and scientific thinking among students. It is part of the broader Ibdae program, which has been organized since 2011 under the supervision of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The 2026 edition continues this tradition, encouraging young participants to develop research projects and creative solutions to real-world challenges.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, evolving from a small, walled desert settlement into a modern global metropolis. Its history dates back centuries, but it became significant in the early 19th century when it was captured by the Al Saud dynasty, and it was later chosen as the capital of the unified Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Today, Riyadh is a center of government, finance, and culture, known for its striking skyline, historic sites like the Masmak Fortress, and rapid urban development.
Society for Science & the Public
The Society for Science & the Public is a nonprofit organization founded in 1921 by journalist Edward W. Scripps and zoologist William Emerson Ritter. It is best known for publishing *Science News* magazine and for its long-running international science competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search and the International Science and Engineering Fair. The organization’s mission is to promote public understanding and appreciation of science through education and outreach.
Vision 2030
Vision 2030 is a strategic framework launched in 2016 by Saudi Arabia to reduce its dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and tourism. The plan aims to transform the kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and open it up to international visitors, marking a historic shift from its traditionally conservative and oil-reliant economy. It represents a forward-looking cultural and economic blueprint for the nation’s future.
