Saudi Students Clinch Spots at Prestigious US Science & Engineering Fair
Nine top Saudi students from the Eastern Province have secured spots on Saudi Arabia’s Science and Engineering Team for the 2025 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) confirmed their qualification after a fiercely competitive national selection process. This fair, known as the world’s largest pre-college science competition, attracts over 1,800 students from more than 75 countries and offers significant prizes, including a top award of $75,000.
The students triumphed in a four-stage contest organized by the Ministry of Education and Mawhiba (King Abdulaziz Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity). Their path included project evaluations, digital assessments, regional showcases, and a final Riyadh exhibition featuring 180+ national innovators.
Empowering Future Visionaries
Sami Al-Otaibi, Eastern Province Education Director, praised the achievement as a milestone for Saudi youth. “This success mirrors our leadership’s commitment to nurturing talent under Vision 2030,” he stated. The students’ projects span AI, renewable energy, and biomedical engineering—key sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals.
ISEF, the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, will host 1,600 participants from 80+ countries in May 2024. Saudi students have previously claimed 22 ISEF awards since 2007, showcasing the Kingdom’s growing scientific prowess.
Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
The winners will receive advanced training from Mawhiba and university partners to refine their projects. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s push to position youth as drivers of innovation, supporting Vision 2030’s goal to transform the nation into a tech-driven hub.
Saudi Arabia actively joined ISEF in 2007, with Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education driving this initiative. Since then, Saudi students consistently excel, securing 160 awards at this renowned competition. Specifically, they claim 110 grand awards and 50 special awards. ISEF proudly ranks as the world’s largest pre-college STEM event. These bright innovators showcase their research and innovation projects to international scientists. Ultimately, this global stage delivers priceless experience and recognition to all participants.
