In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position on the global knowledge map, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) launched the "First Elite Camp." This unique training event is being held in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Indonesia, with the goal of preparing and qualifying gifted students who will represent the Kingdom in international and regional science competitions and Olympiads in 2026.
National context and ambitious vision
This camp is part of the Kingdom's rapidly advancing scientific movement, which aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at building a vibrant society and a thriving, knowledge-based economy. These camps are a cornerstone of human capital investment, as Mawhiba seeks to cultivate a generation of innovative scientists and leaders capable of competing globally in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The expansion of training locations to include international destinations such as Indonesia reflects the foundation's commitment to diversifying experiences and providing students with advanced scientific environments.
Details of the intensive training program
The inaugural Elite Camp will host 214 of the nation's top students, undergoing an intensive 12-day training program from January 9th to 23rd, 2026. The training will be led by a distinguished team of 38 local and international instructors, supported by a comprehensive supervisory team to ensure the highest quality standards are met. The training sessions will take place in 22 halls equipped with state-of-the-art educational technology, covering seven specialized scientific disciplines: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, science, computer science, and astronomy and space science.
Strategic partnerships and prime locations
To ensure an optimal learning environment, training locations were carefully selected in collaboration with our partners. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Jeddah is hosting some of the events, along with King Saud University, the King Khalid Royal Reserve, and a hotel in Riyadh, providing students with a rich educational experience that blends academic and practical learning.
A proven track record of global achievements
This camp marks a pivotal stage in the process of qualifying for international competitions, and it represents a continuation of a journey filled with achievements. Students from the Kingdom have won 996 international awards in various Olympiads and scientific competitions, ranging from gold to silver and bronze medals. This impressive number underscores the efficiency of the educational and training system led by Mawhiba, which positions the Kingdom among the leading nations in nurturing and discovering gifted individuals.
