Riyadh, 8 May 2026

The delegation of the Saudi Science and Engineering Team has departed for the United States to take part in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026), hosted by Phoenix, Arizona, from 9 to 15 May, with more than 1,700 students representing around 70 countries around the world.

The Kingdom takes part in the fair through the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education, as part of efforts to support gifted students and strengthen the Kingdom's presence at international scientific forums.

42 Students Represent the Kingdom with Quality Projects

The Saudi team comprises 42 male and female students presenting innovative scientific projects in promising fields, selected from the winners of the grand awards at the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, "Ibdaa 2026".

The students qualified after a wide competition in which more than 357,000 students submitted more than 34,000 scientific projects across 22 fields, through multiple evaluation stages including regional and central exhibitions and specialized preparation camps.

Continued Saudi Achievements at ISEF

The Kingdom has taken part in ISEF every year since 2007, winning 185 awards in previous editions, including 124 grand awards and 61 special awards, reflecting the development of the Kingdom's scientific and innovation environment.

This presence also strengthens the Kingdom's standing in supporting innovation and developing human capital, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Intensive Training Programs to Prepare Students

The team members underwent intensive training and preparation programs run by Mawhiba, including diagnostic and nomination tests supervised by experts and specialists in different scientific fields, aimed at developing research, presentation and public speaking skills and preparing for international competition.

These programs continued for a full year to ensure the students' readiness to represent the Kingdom with distinction at the world's largest scientific forum for pre-university students.

A Guinness World Record for "Ibdaa 2026"

In a new achievement, Mawhiba set a Guinness World Record after "Ibdaa 2026" was recognized as the world's largest competition for innovative solutions, following the participation of more than 34,000 scientific projects.

ISEF is the largest international platform for research and innovation projects by pre-university students, with projects judged by leading international scientists and experts.

At a Glance

  • Destination: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
  • Dates: 9 to 15 May 2026
  • Event: Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2026)
  • Global participants: more than 1,700 students from 70 countries
  • Saudi participants: 42 students
  • Kingdom's record: 185 awards since 2007