Riyadh: Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz will patronize the 16th edition of the Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair (Ibdaa 2026), which opens tomorrow, Sunday, at the Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz International Convention Center and runs until January 29.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the fair is organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education. It represents the fifth stage of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity and will showcase 200 research and innovation projects across 22 scientific fields, selected from more than 34,000 student submissions from across the Kingdom.
Winners of the exhibition will qualify to represent Saudi Arabia at several international and regional competitions. A total of 68 winners will be selected, with top projects advancing to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in the United States, ITEX in Malaysia, and the Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF).
The exhibition will be accompanied by workshops, scientific and educational lectures, and informational booths to enrich the visitor experience, promote a culture of research and innovation, and highlight national initiatives that support talent and creativity.
The National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, comprising six stages, seeks to foster creativity among male and female students in scientific and technological fields, identify promising talent, develop research and innovation skills, and represent the Kingdom at international forums through high-quality projects. Ibdaa 2026 reflects the ongoing efforts of Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education to support talent and promote scientific research in public schools, contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
This year's edition recorded an unprecedented level of participation, with more than 357,000 students registering, underscoring the Kingdom's expanding base of talent and innovation.