Saudi Arabian students achieved notable success in international academic competitions in 2025, securing a total of 129 awards across 26 Olympiads and the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). This strong performance highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to talent development and STEM education. The results were announced by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and demonstrate continued progress in nurturing gifted youth.
The achievements, realized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, saw Saudi Arabia maintain its second-place global ranking at ISEF, a prestigious international science competition. Beyond ISEF, Saudi national teams accumulated 996 awards in various regional and international scientific contests throughout the year, showcasing broad excellence across disciplines. The foundation’s work underscores a strategic national focus on fostering innovation and competition in science and mathematics.
Investing in Saudi Arabia’s Future Through Talent Development
The Mawhiba Foundation plays a central role in identifying and nurturing gifted students, both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. Founded in 2007, its programs are designed to provide challenging academic experiences and opportunities for research and development. This latest data reinforces the impact of those programs on a national scale.
According to Mawhiba, over 31,000 students benefited from its initiatives in 2025. This included more than 14,000 students participating in advanced academic and scientific research. These numbers represent a continued expansion of reach for the organization’s programming.
Expanding Program Access
Mawhiba’s programs were delivered through 105 local and international initiatives, in collaboration with 70 educational and scientific institutions, spanning 24 cities across the Kingdom. This wide distribution aims to ensure equitable access to challenging STEM programs for students throughout Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Education’s involvement has been critical in allowing this expansive reach.
One significant accomplishment was a major increase in registrations for the National Program for Gifted Identification, attracting over 95,000 students. This program is designed to pinpoint exceptional students early in their education, enabling timely support and opportunities. The increase in participation suggests growing awareness and utilization of Mawhiba’s identification services.
The Mawhiba Advanced Program for Science and Mathematics also saw continued growth, supporting over 2,770 students across 100 cities and governorates. This program specifically targets the reinforcement of skills in science, mathematics, and research, offering intensive training and mentorship opportunities. Improving STEM skills remains a core objective of the initiative.
The success of Saudi students is taking place against a larger backdrop of economic diversification within the country, spearheaded by Vision 2030. This plan emphasizes the importance of knowledge-based industries and recognizes the necessity of a skilled workforce. The focus on scientific research and quality education ties directly into those ambitious goals.
Interestingly, the foundation’s focus isn’t solely on competition. Many programs concentrate on fostering a genuine passion for learning and promoting collaborative problem-solving. This approach aims to create well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute to both national and international advancements.
However, sustaining this level of achievement requires ongoing investment and adaptation. The global landscape of STEM education is constantly evolving, and new challenges arise regularly. Maintaining a second-place ranking at ISEF, for example, will necessitate consistent innovation in curriculum and teaching methods.
The availability of advanced resources and expert mentorship are also crucial factors. Mawhiba’s partnerships with leading universities and research institutions are integral in providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and facilities. These collaborative efforts are seen as a key strength.
Moreover, creating a supportive ecosystem for gifted students extends beyond formal education. Encouraging parental involvement, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity within communities, and providing opportunities for extracurricular exploration are all vital components. Mawhiba’s outreach programs aim to support these broader needs.
Looking ahead, Mawhiba is expected to release a detailed report analyzing the 2025 results, identifying trends and areas for improvement. The foundation will likely also continue expanding its programs to reach even more students across the Kingdom. Factors to watch include ongoing government funding levels and the ability to attract and retain top-tier educators and mentors. The long-term impact of this talent development strategy on Saudi Arabia’s economic and technological competitiveness will also be a key area of ongoing assessment.
