The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) has officially launched the Mawhiba summer programs for 2026, offering advanced learning opportunities to more than 10,000 Saudi students. The initiatives focus on innovation, science, and technology through local and international pathways.
Expansion of Mawhiba summer programs in 2026
These Mawhiba summer programs feature 88 enrichment modules designed around four national priority areas. These areas include human health, leadership in energy and industry, environmental sustainability and basic needs, and future economies. A total of 53 academic institutions in Saudi Arabia and abroad are hosting the initiatives.
International Partnerships and Academic Destinations
The international initiatives include an artificial intelligence program in China, organized in partnership with Huawei, which hosts 20 students. Additionally, the Mawhiba Ambassadors program sends 41 students to six academic destinations in the United States and the United Kingdom for two to four weeks. Other students are participating in academic programs in Japan.
To qualify for the international ambassador program, students must score 1500 or higher on the Mawhiba multiple cognitive ability scale. They must also demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Digital Skills Training with Saudi Digital Academy
Mawhiba has partnered with the Saudi Digital Academy to deliver specialized training under the “Your Smart Summer” initiative from July 12 to August 6. This collaboration covers programming, artificial intelligence, video gaming development, and Python basics.
Students also receive training in mobile application development using .NET MAUI, C# basics, 2D game development with Godot, Large Language Model (LLM) basics, and game development using Unreal Engine and Unity. This technical training is conducted in cooperation with Gosu Academy and King Abdulaziz University.
Scientific Research and Academic Requirements
At King Saud University, the research program hosts more than 50 students under the supervision of university faculty and researchers. The program is hosted by the King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology and various university colleges.
“The research program focuses on scientific research and developing related skills, introducing students to the methodology and ethics of scientific research through practical practice.”
Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulkarim Al-Sayegh, Head of the Mawhiba Research Enrichment Program at King Saud University
Through these detailed initiatives, the Mawhiba summer programs aim to prepare Saudi youth for future economy demands. New modules introduced this year cover robotics, blockchain, financial technology, space science, environmental sustainability, and sports physics.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
