Riyadh, December 27, 2024 – The National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity (Ibdaa) 2025, a cornerstone event for nurturing scientific talent in Saudi Arabia, has successfully completed its fourth phase with the conclusion of the regional exhibitions. Over the span of December 6 to 21, 2024, more than 480 middle and high school students from across the Kingdom presented their scientific projects at regional exhibitions held in Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and Madinah. This phase of the competition showcased the impressive innovative thinking and research capabilities of the young participants, all of whom had been selected based on their exceptional work and commitment to scientific exploration.
The exhibitions were organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The event’s purpose was to provide a platform for students to present their individual research projects in fields such as science, engineering, and technology. These exhibitions served as a crucial step in identifying the top performers who will advance to the final phase of Ibdaa 2025.
Throughout the exhibitions, expert committees comprising academics and specialists meticulously evaluated each student’s project. The projects were judged according to rigorous scientific standards, with the selection process utilizing electronic evaluations to ensure accuracy and transparency. The top-performing students were then selected to move forward to the final stage of the competition. The results of these evaluations were eagerly anticipated and were officially announced on December 26, determining which of the 180 students will continue in the competition.
Ibdaa 2025 has been marked by unprecedented participation, with a record-breaking 291,057 students having registered for the competition this year. This surge in interest reflects the growing enthusiasm among Saudi youth for scientific research and innovation, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to foster a knowledge-based economy and elevate the importance of education and creativity.
Mawhiba’s partnership with the Ministry of Education and other educational institutions ensures that these initiatives are shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's scientific community. The final winners of Ibdaa 2025 will move on to represent the Kingdom at prestigious international competitions, including the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where they will compete against the best and brightest young minds from around the world.
The National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity is not just a competition, but a significant opportunity for young Saudi innovators to gain recognition, enhance their research skills, and further their academic aspirations. With its emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry, Ibdaa is helping to lay the foundation for the Kingdom’s future leaders in science and technology.
