King Saud University Concludes Mawhiba Academic and Global Enrichment Programs
Under the patronage of Acting President of King Saud University, Professor Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Masmali, and in the presence of Mr. Abdulaziz Alkaridis, Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), King Saud University concluded the activities of the Academic and Global Mawhiba Enrichment Programs. The programs were held in partnership with Mawhiba and concluded with a ceremony hosted in the university’s Main Hall, attended by university leaders, faculty members, supervisors, parents, and participating students.
The ceremony marked the culmination of several weeks of intensive academic training and enriching activities, during which male and female students embarked on an extensive learning journey combining scientific knowledge with practical application and research with innovation. The advanced university environment enabled participants to explore emerging disciplines and gain hands-on experience in modern laboratories and research facilities under the supervision of distinguished faculty members and specialists.
The enrichment programs featured a series of specialized academic units designed in accordance with leading international practices in gifted education. Topics covered medical sciences, engineering, technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, aerospace engineering, investment, and economics, among other fields. These units provided participants with valuable opportunities to develop their scientific capabilities, strengthen research skills, and enhance creative thinking and problem-solving abilities through an educational experience combining theoretical knowledge and practical application.
In this context, Professor Dr. Ali Al-Dalbahi, Dean of Student Affairs at King Saud University and Director of the Global Mawhiba Enrichment Program, stated that the university hosted more than 600 students this year across more than 14 enrichment units, delivered in diverse academic environments with the participation of distinguished faculty members and experts. The programs form part of an integrated educational system aimed at identifying promising talent, developing its capabilities, and preparing students to contribute to the nation’s future.
He explained that the university’s hosting of these programs reflects its national role in supporting gifted students and its belief that investing in human talent is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. The academic environment provided by the university enabled students to engage in scientific research, work with advanced technologies, and acquire critical thinking and innovation skills, enhancing their readiness for the emerging disciplines required by the future.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Dr. Al-Dalbahi explained that the Global Mawhiba Enrichment Program aims to develop the capabilities of gifted students and expand their knowledge in promising scientific and technological fields through an advanced educational experience combining academic knowledge with practical applications. The program contributes to preparing a generation equipped with scientific and technological skills and capable of competing and contributing in future fields.
He noted that the program welcomed 149 gifted students this year, who received specialized training in enrichment units covering medicine, artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, investment and economics, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering. The training utilized state-of-the-art laboratories and educational facilities under the direct supervision of university faculty members, providing students with an advanced educational experience modeled on global university and research environments.
Dr. Al-Dalbahi added that the partnership between King Saud University and Mawhiba exemplifies the integration of national efforts to support gifted students and develop their capabilities in priority fields. It contributes to preparing competitive national talent, supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and strengthening the Kingdom’s position in innovation and the knowledge economy.
For his part, Dr. Talal AlHuzimi, Director of the Academic Mawhiba Enrichment Program, said in a statement to SPA that the program focuses on expanding the knowledge of gifted students and strengthening their scientific skills through specialized enrichment units that combine academic foundations with practical application. This approach provides students with scientific and practical experience that prepares them for future university pathways.
He noted that 151 gifted students participated in this year’s program, receiving training in enrichment units covering medical sciences, engineering, data science and artificial intelligence, digital forensics, engineering drawing, and space sciences. The program was delivered in an engaging educational environment based on experimentation, teamwork, and practical projects, helping students develop research, inquiry, and scientific thinking skills.
Dr. AlHuzimi added that the program demonstrates the success of the strategic partnership between King Saud University and Mawhiba and reflects the university’s commitment to providing high-quality programs that invest in promising national talent. It also offers students advanced educational opportunities that contribute to their scientific development, broaden their intellectual horizons, and strengthen their capacity for creativity and innovation.
The closing ceremony featured a presentation of the programs’ key achievements and the scientific experiences undertaken by the students. Faculty members, trainers, supervisors, and participating organizations were also honored in recognition of their contributions to the success of the programs and the achievement of their objectives.
The ceremony concluded with King Saud University and Mawhiba reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation in supporting gifted students and providing stimulating educational environments that enable them to realize their creative potential, contribute to building a knowledge society, and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a hub for talent and innovation. The programs reaffirm the principle that investing in people is the most valuable investment, and that national talent represents a vital resource for shaping the future.
