Mawhiba Launches First Elite Forum for 259 Students

Riyadh, August 11, 2026 — The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, launched the first Elite Forum 2026 in Riyadh, bringing together 259 gifted students to prepare them for international olympiads. The forum, which runs until August 21, marks the first training station for outstanding students after they passed the national science and mathematics olympiad “Nesmo” and reached the final stage, alongside students nominated for astronomy and space from the physics track.

Context and Background

Mawhiba, a national institution with a global reputation for identifying, nurturing, and empowering gifted individuals, operates under a national strategy to develop talent in priority scientific fields. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of building a knowledge-based society and fostering innovation. The forum is part of the Mawhiba International Olympiad Program, which aims to prepare Saudi teams to compete in regional and international scientific olympiads.

The Ministry of Education’s strategic partnership underscores the government’s commitment to education and human capital development. The Elite Forum represents a critical phase in the journey of these students, who have already demonstrated exceptional abilities in the national olympiad. Their participation in this intensive training program is a testament to the Kingdom’s investment in its youth and their potential to represent Saudi Arabia on the global stage.

Key Details

Over 12 days, participants will receive intensive training in seven scientific disciplines: mathematics, chemistry, physics, astronomy and space, biology, informatics, and general science. The training is supervised by elite trainers and specialists in scientific olympiads. The program focuses on advanced problem-solving strategies, developing the ability to tackle complex scientific problems, and raising performance in qualifying tests.

The forum aims to complete training plans related to international olympiad topics and to introduce students to advanced strategies in problem-solving. It also seeks to enhance their capacity to handle complex scientific issues and improve their performance in qualifying exams. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared to join national teams and compete at the highest levels.

Implications and Impact

The Elite Forum is a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in major international forums. By nurturing gifted students, the Kingdom is investing in its future leaders and innovators, who will contribute to the nation’s scientific and technological advancement. This initiative also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for talent development and innovation in the region.

The forum’s outcomes will have a lasting impact on the students, their communities, and the nation. As these students progress to represent Saudi Arabia in international olympiads, they will not only showcase their talents but also serve as ambassadors of the Kingdom’s educational excellence. Their achievements will inspire other young Saudis to pursue excellence in science and mathematics.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Elite Forum directly supports Vision 2030 by fostering a knowledge-based economy and society. By investing in gifted education, Saudi Arabia is building a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and economic diversification. Mawhiba’s programs, including this forum, are essential to achieving the vision’s objectives of enhancing human capital and promoting a culture of creativity and excellence.

As the Kingdom continues to prioritize education and talent development, initiatives like the Elite Forum demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to empowering its youth and preparing them for global leadership. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of creating a vibrant society and a thriving economy, where every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s progress.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Elite Forum 2026?

A1. The Elite Forum 2026 is a training initiative by Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education, bringing together 259 gifted students for preparation for international scientific olympiads.

Q2. When did the forum start and how long will it last?

A2. It started on August 11, 2026, and will continue until August 21, 2026, spanning 12 days of intensive training.

Q3. Who organized the Elite Forum?

A3. It is organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education.

Q4. How many students are participating?

A4. A total of 259 students, both male and female, are participating in the forum.

Q5. What are the seven scientific disciplines covered?

A5. The disciplines are mathematics, chemistry, physics, astronomy and space, biology, informatics, and general science.

Q6. What is the purpose of the forum?

A6. The forum aims to complete training plans, introduce advanced problem-solving strategies, develop handling of complex scientific problems, and improve performance in qualifying tests.

Q7. Who are the participants?

A7. They are outstanding students who passed the national science and mathematics olympiad “Nesmo” and reached the final stage, plus nominees for astronomy and space from the physics track.

Q8. What is Mawhiba?

A8. Mawhiba is a national institution with a global reputation for identifying, nurturing, and empowering gifted individuals in priority scientific fields.

Q9. How does the forum align with Vision 2030?

A9. It supports Vision 2030 by building a knowledge-based society, fostering innovation, and developing human capital in science and technology.

Q10. What is the Nesmo olympiad?

A10. Nesmo is the national science and mathematics olympiad that identifies top students who then advance to international olympiad preparation.

Q11. What training methods are used?

A11. The forum uses intensive training programs supervised by elite trainers, focusing on advanced problem-solving and complex scientific problem handling.

Q12. What is the role of the Ministry of Education?

A12. The Ministry of Education is a strategic partner, supporting the identification and nurturing of gifted students through this and other initiatives.

Q13. How does this forum benefit the students?

A13. It enhances their scientific knowledge, problem-solving skills, and readiness for international competitions, opening doors to represent Saudi Arabia globally.

Q14. What happens after the forum?

A14. Students will continue in the Mawhiba International Olympiad Program, aiming to join national teams and compete in regional and international olympiads.

Q15. How does this impact Saudi Arabia’s global standing?

A15. It showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to educational excellence and innovation, enhancing its reputation as a talent hub and future leader in science.

Q16. Are there similar past initiatives?

A16. Yes, Mawhiba has a track record of programs that prepare students for international olympiads, and this forum is the first Elite Forum.

Q17. What is the significance of the astronomy and space track?

A17. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on space sciences, aligning with national aspirations in technology and exploration.

Q18. How are trainers selected?

A18. Trainers are elite specialists in scientific olympiads, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship.

Q19. What is the expected outcome of the forum?

A19. The outcome is well-prepared students ready to compete internationally, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s success in global olympiads.

Q20. How does this fit into Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision?

A20. It is a key part of Vision 2030’s human capital development, fostering a generation of innovators who will drive the nation’s future prosperity.

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