Riyadh: The Secretariat of the Almarai Prize for Scientific Innovation announced today the opening of nominations for the 2026 cycle across both categories of the prize: the National Award, "Almarai Prize for Scientific Innovation," and the International Award, Almarai Prize. The prize is held through a strategic partnership between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Almarai Company.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the prize aims to recognize outstanding scientific research and innovations in the field of food security in dryland regions, while supporting scientific and applied efforts to advance food systems and environmental sustainability. It aligns with national priorities in research, development, and innovation, and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals related to food security.
Established in 2001, the Almarai Prize for Scientific Innovation is the first scientific prize in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to receive approval from the Royal Court and accreditation from the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation. In 2023, the prize underwent a strategic transformation that introduced two distinct categories, national and international, to further strengthen its impact locally and globally in supporting research and innovation related to food security in dryland regions.
The Prize is awarded biennially. The National Award targets researchers holding a PhD obtained within the past five years, whose work has demonstrated outstanding scientific contributions in the prize field. The award value is SAR225,000. The International Award targets researchers and research institutions worldwide, with a prize value of SAR1,875,000.
Secretary-General of the Almarai Prize for Scientific Innovation Abdullah AlKhaled stated that opening nominations for the 2026 cycle reflects the prize's ongoing role in encouraging 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 both knowledge-based and economic impact, while contributing to Saudi Arabia's position and progress in global food security indicators.
AlKhaled added that Almarai's support for the prize stems from the company's vision of placing science and innovation among its strategic priorities, as well as its commitment to supporting researchers locally and internationally and contributing to sustainable solutions that enhance food security systems in dryland regions.
