Makkah, Saudi Arabia — Umm Al-Qura University, in partnership with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), concluded the 2024 edition of the Mawhiba Summer Enrichment Program in Makkah. The closing ceremony was attended by Dr. Fareed bin Ali Al-Ghamdi, Vice President of the university. It highlighted the academic achievements and creativity of 206 participating gifted students.
A total of 28 scientific projects were exhibited. These reflected weeks of enrichment and applied learning. The projects addressed complex topics and real-world challenges. According to Dr. Zayed Al-Tuwaireqi, Dean of Student Affairs, female students engaged in units covering Anatomy and Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Renewable Energy.
STEM training builds talent for Vision 2030
The Mawhiba Summer Enrichment Program supports national efforts to foster innovation and excellence. It focuses on developing talent among Saudi Arabia’s youth. Through rigorous content, mentorship, and advanced resources, the program equips students to contribute to a knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi stressed that the university’s collaboration with the Makkah Education Department supports Vision 2030. It helps improve educational outcomes, nurtures scientific talent, and strengthens sustainable development. Moreover, this initiative bridges the gap between academia and national policy.
Broader skills prepare students for leadership
In addition to academic work, the Mawhiba Summer Enrichment Program included workshops. These focused on problem-solving, collaboration, and public speaking. As a result, students developed a well-rounded skill set for future leadership and research roles.
The ceremony ended with honors awarded to students, academic supervisors, and officials. Their efforts made the Mawhiba Summer Enrichment Program 2024 in Makkah a success. Collectively, these contributions reflect a strong commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s education ecosystem.
The Saudi Standard’s View: Early Investment in Strategic Talent
The Mawhiba Summer Enrichment Program reflects a forward-thinking approach to talent development. Rather than treat education as a linear path, this initiative cultivates students in high-impact disciplines—AI, cybersecurity, biomedical science—well before university.
This early, strategic investment prepares youth not just for academic success but for national priorities. Programs like Mawhiba expand the definition of education to include creativity, applied skills, and leadership readiness. In doing so, they align academic growth with the needs of a diversifying economy.
As Saudi Arabia shifts toward a knowledge-based future, initiatives like Mawhiba ensure that young talent isn’t just present, but prepared.
