More than 11,000 male and female students have enrolled in the Mawhiba Classes Program as the 2026-27 academic year gets underway, marking another significant expansion in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to identify, nurture and empower gifted students.
At the same time, more than 5,200 students have begun the Advanced Program for Science and Mathematics, strengthening Mawhiba’s specialized educational pathways designed to develop students’ scientific, intellectual and creative capabilities.
Expansion Across 23 Cities
The Mawhiba Classes Program is being implemented in more than 240 public and private schools across 23 cities in different regions of the Kingdom, in partnership with specialized educational institutions and experts.
Participating schools are required to meet specific standards covering areas such as infrastructure, teaching methods, assessment systems and learning approaches, ensuring that gifted students receive an educational environment tailored to their needs.
Students benefit from dedicated classrooms, qualified teachers and Mawhiba’s supplementary enrichment curricula, which are designed to strengthen their abilities, expand their knowledge and encourage creativity.
A Program That Has Grown Since 2009
The latest expansion reflects the steady growth of the program since its launch in 2009, when just 185 students participated across 28 schools in four cities.
Last year, the program served around 9,900 students in 190 schools across 17 cities. This year, participation has grown to more than 11,000 students across more than 240 schools in 23 cities.
The expansion highlights the growing reach of specialized programs designed to identify and support gifted students across different regions of Saudi Arabia.
Developing Critical Thinking and Creativity
Mawhiba’s enrichment curricula go beyond traditional academic instruction, focusing on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific knowledge and creativity.
The programs also seek to strengthen students’ confidence, encourage teamwork and instill positive values, while providing them with broader opportunities to pursue excellence across a range of scientific disciplines.
The approach is designed not only to improve academic performance, but also to equip gifted students with the skills needed to approach challenges and problems with greater creativity and innovation.
5,200 Students Join Advanced Science and Mathematics Program
More than 5,200 students have also started the Mawhiba Advanced Program for Science and Mathematics for the 2026-27 academic year.
Delivered remotely through advanced digital learning platforms, the program expands access to specialized educational content for students across the Kingdom.
The program runs for 20 weeks during the academic year, outside students’ regular school hours, and provides advanced enrichment curricula delivered by distinguished teachers.
Schools and Families Working Together
As the new academic year began, Mawhiba organized a series of virtual introductory sessions between Aug. 17 and 26 for partnership coordinators, new teachers and parents of participating students.
The sessions covered program implementation mechanisms and available educational opportunities, while emphasizing the complementary roles of schools and families in supporting students and helping them gain maximum benefit from their learning experience.
From Aug. 22 to 29, Mawhiba also expanded its activities aimed at identifying and empowering gifted students. Initiatives included an external training camp for the astronomy and space team and a specialized program examining the role of educational leaders in institutions supporting gifted students.
Other initiatives included a cooperation agreement with Tuwaiq Academy, the launch of the National Talent Olympiad, and the start of the Advanced Program for Science and Mathematics.
Together, the initiatives form part of a broader ecosystem focused on identifying Saudi talent early, developing students’ capabilities, expanding educational opportunities and strengthening cooperation among schools, families, specialized institutions and the wider community to support innovation and excellence.
