The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, has announced the opening of registration for the “Mawhiba Kangaroo Math Competition 2026,” an annual event eagerly anticipated by thousands of mathematics enthusiasts across the Kingdom. The competition targets students in general education, from the third grade of elementary school through the third grade of high school, providing them with an opportunity to test their abilities and develop their skills in a competitive and stimulating environment.
What is the Kangaroo Talent Math Competition?
Kangaroo Talent is more than just a math test; it's designed as an engaging learning experience that fosters logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Its multiple-choice questions focus on applying mathematical concepts to real-life situations rather than complex calculations. The competition primarily aims to encourage students to master mathematical knowledge, connect it to their daily lives, and provide a stimulating learning environment that reinforces the importance of mathematics as a fundamental tool for scientific thinking.
Historical background and global significance
The Kangaroo competition originated in Australia in 1980 as a national competition aimed at promoting mathematics among students. It quickly gained international recognition after being adopted by France in the 1990s, and from there spread to more than 70 countries worldwide. Today, nearly 6 million students participate annually, making it one of the largest science competitions globally. The adoption of this competition in the Kingdom by Mawhiba reflects its commitment to keeping pace with global best practices in identifying and nurturing talented individuals, and to providing world-class platforms for Saudi students.
Expected impact and alignment with Vision 2030
The competition holds significant strategic importance as it aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capital Development Program. It contributes to building a generation equipped with critical and analytical thinking skills, essential for the future knowledge economy. Locally, the competition serves as an effective tool for identifying promising mathematical talents at an early stage, enabling Mawhiba and educational institutions to provide them with specialized support programs. Internationally, the participation of Saudi students and their achievement of top rankings enhances the Kingdom's educational reputation and improves its standing in global education and innovation indices.
Registration details and important dates
Mawhiba clarified that registration will remain open until April 7, 2026. Those wishing to participate can easily complete the registration process through the competition's official website or via the Mawhiba mobile application. The actual competition test is scheduled to take place over two days, on April 17 and 18, 2026, allowing for greater flexibility for participants from different regions and schools.
