Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has successfully concluded its second annual School Art Competition, receiving more than 1,600 entries from 120 schools across the Reserve — a remarkable 324% increase in participation compared to its inaugural year. This extraordinary growth demonstrates the power of engaging young people in environmental conservation through creative expression.
Community Engagement Through Art and Conservation
An essential part of the Reserve’s community outreach work, the programme raises awareness among younger generations about environmental and cultural conservation. By enabling students to share these values with their families and wider community, the initiative supports sustained engagement and long-term environmental stewardship across the 24,500km² Reserve.
“The Art Competition provides a platform for artistic expression rooted in young people’s cultural identity and framed by the conservation strategy of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. When young people understand why nature is important and find connections with their heritage, families listen, and the next generation of conservation leaders is fostered.”
Elefteria Castis, Chief of Strategy and Business at the Reserve
In Our Nature: This Year’s Competition Theme
This year’s competition theme, ‘In Our Nature’, invited students to depict one of the Reserve’s large mammals central to its ReWild Arabia program: the Arabian wolf, Persian onager, or Arabian oryx. Students expressed their creativity through art including drawing, sculpture, and painting, as well as poetry and short stories. The competition drew 1,626 entries from primary, middle, and high school students across 120 schools.
Celebrating Winners and Building Future Conservation Leaders
Two awards ceremonies held in January 2026, one in Al Wajh and one in Duba, celebrated the winners and showcased entries in a gallery for parents, teachers, and Reserve staff to enjoy. The program has seen significant growth since its launch during the 24/25 school year, with entries increasing from 383 across 55 schools in its inaugural year to 1,626 entries from 120 schools in 2025/26.
“Since the Reserve’s inception our Community Development team has been working with educators and students through classroom workshops and field trips in the Reserve to raise awareness and inspire the conservationists of tomorrow.”
Mohammed AlHarbi, Senior Community Engagement Manager
Integrated Development and Vision 2030 Alignment
Community development and environmental awareness are core pillars of the Reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP), which provides the strategic framework for delivering conservation outcomes rooted in local communities. The Board, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, approved the plan in November 2023. At the heart of the Reserve’s mission is creating lasting opportunities for local communities, with over 85% of the Reserve’s 300-strong team, headquartered in Al Wajh, coming from the Reserve itself.
Education and skills development are fundamental to socio-economic development, and the Reserve’s Community Engagement team engages with all sectors of society. From schoolchildren to government stakeholders, the Reserve promotes environmental awareness and regulatory compliance, supporting a Vibrant Society by safeguarding natural heritage and quality of life in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.