Dhahran: Four Saudi teams comprising 24 male and female students are gearing up to compete in the Formula 1 in Schools World Final. The competition, now in its third edition, will be held from November 23 to 26 at Dhahran Expo, marking the first time the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has hosted the prestigious event.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi participants will join 55 teams from 62 countries, representing 28,000 schools worldwide, in a high-stakes challenge to design and manufacture miniature racing cars. The students aim to secure top positions in this international competition.

Ithra, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, has overseen the teams’ preparation through a comprehensive nine-month training program. The initiative, led by 37 local and international experts across six specialized training centers, focused on equipping students with advanced skills in engineering, design, and teamwork.

The Programs Manager at Ithra, Noura Al-Zamil, expressed pride in the initiative, saying, “We are
proud to offer programs that reflect the scientific progress witnessed by the Kingdom on multiple fronts. Our goal is to empower youth in all cognitive and creative fields, nurture ambitious national talent in science, design, and innovation, and showcase the capabilities of Saudi students on the global stage. They are the future leaders of the Kingdom’s creative industries.”

Al-Zamil emphasized that the Formula 1 in Schools program transcends competition, serving as a transformative educational experience.

“Students develop teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and creative environment. The program fosters innovation and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance youth capabilities and prepare them for leadership in the industries of the future,” she added.