The 2015 Saudi Festival for Science and Innovation will be held at Riyadh's International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), next Tuesday.

This year’s event will be evaluated by a team of 170 jury arbitrators, composed of academics and Saudi experts in various scientific fields to select 72 outstanding projects, which will receive over SR 700,000 in prizes. Hamdan Al-Mohammad, the festival's main organizer, stressed that the annual event is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Mohammad also pointed out that the event's organizers seek to provide a platform for national innovation in science and technology, especially for students.

“The festival will enable Saudi students to display their innovative spirit in science for the benefit of the community members,” he remarked, adding that the festival's main goal is to create a positive direction towards science, innovation and scientific research.

Organizers also hope the festival will encourage young people to continue their education in various scientific disciplines and will engage students in science after school hours.

The exhibition is being held under King Abdulaziz foundation for Creativity "Mawhiba" and the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Saudi Aramco and Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corporation.

According to Al-Mohammad, there are three main segments in the exhibition; National Science and Innovation Olympiads "Creativity," Impresses of Science, and Flashes Forum. They are designed to target both male and female students at public schools, teachers and specialists in the fields of applied science as well as family members.

Over 762 students from across the country will compete, through 605 individual and group projects in 17 areas in scientific research and innovation. Participants who make it to the finals will qualify for the "Creativity Olympiads.”