The 2026 cycle of the Almarai Prize has officially opened to accept nominations for scientific research addressing food security in dryland regions.
This international track of the Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity targets global research institutions and scientists holding doctoral degrees. The initiative aims to support scientific solutions for arid and semi-arid environments.
Nomination Rules for the Almarai Prize
The nomination process follows a specific model where self-nominations are not permitted. Instead, only qualified experts holding a PhD may submit nominations, while research organizations can nominate up to three projects. This structure aims to maintain the scientific integrity of the selection process.
The total value of the award is USD 500,000, which is equivalent to SAR 1,875,000. This financial award is granted to a single winning research project or institution. Meanwhile, the program continues to focus on long-term food system resilience.
Partnership and Institutional Support
This initiative represents a long-term partnership between Almarai and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). This collaboration has spanned more than 20 years to support scientific research. Notably, the program focuses on addressing agricultural challenges within the regional economy.
Almarai operates as a vertically integrated food company in the Middle East. The company integrates scientific research into its operational strategy to address long-term food system resilience. Consequently, this focus helps develop sustainable farming practices in dryland environments.
Official Statements on Food Security
“The Almarai Prize reflects our commitment to advancing global food security through scientific innovation. By highlighting research that addresses the challenges of food security in dryland regions, we aim to contribute to solutions that benefit communities around the world.”
Mr. Abdullah Alkhalid, Secretary-General of the Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity
Furthermore, Alkhalid stated that supporting researchers and institutions is essential to building a sustainable future. The organization aims to highlight scientific work that delivers measurable impacts on global food systems.
Submission Deadlines and Timeline
The submission window for the current cycle of the Almarai Prize remains open until August 21, 2026. Eligible academic institutions and PhD holders can submit their nominations through the official portal. In addition, the program provides resources for researchers through its collaboration with education and scientific bodies.
The final selection will undergo evaluation by scientific committees to determine the single winning entry. As a result, the chosen project will receive the full financial grant to continue its scientific work.
