Nominations Open For The 2026 Almarai Prize For Scientific Creativity

Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity has opened nominations for the 2026 cycle, covering both the national Almarai Prize for Scientific Innovation and the international Almarai Prize, offered in strategic partnership with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Almarai Company.

The prize aims to recognize outstanding research achievements and scientific innovations in food security within dryland regions, and to support scientific and applied efforts that advance food systems and strengthen environmental sustainability. It aligns with national research, development, and innovation priorities, and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to food security.

Established in 2001, the Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity is the first scientific award in the Kingdom to receive approval from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation. In 2023, the prize underwent a strategic redesign that introduced two distinct tracks, enhancing its national and global impact in supporting scientific research and innovation in food security across dryland regions.

Awarded biennially, the prize features two tracks. The national track is open to researchers who obtained their PhD within the past five years and have demonstrated notable scientific contributions, with a total value of 225,000 SAR. The international track is directed at researchers and research institutions globally, offering a total value of 1,875,000 SAR.

Abdullah Alkhalid, Secretary-General of the Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity, emphasized that opening nominations for the 2026 cycle continues the prize's mission to encourage researchers, scientists, and research institutions to develop innovative solutions that strengthen food security in dryland regions. He noted that the prize supports scientific work with measurable knowledge and economic impact, contributing to the Kingdom's progress in global food security indicators.

Alkhalid added that Almarai's support for the prize reflects the company's commitment to placing science and innovation at the core of its vision. He noted that this commitment extends to empowering researchers locally and internationally, and to advancing sustainable solutions that strengthen food security systems in dryland regions.

Eligibility criteria, evaluation standards, and application procedures are available on the national track website:

and the international track website:

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