Saudi Students Accelerate to Global Success at Aramco STEM Racing World Finals
Riyadh – Saudi Arabia’s young innovators have once again made their mark on the global stage, demonstrating creativity, skill, and determination in engineering and science.
With the strong support of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), four Saudi teams—Rimah, Yalla, Giddam, and Sadeem—secured two prestigious awards at the 20th Aramco STEM Racing World Finals, held in Singapore from September 25 to October 1, 2025.
The event, recognized as the largest global celebration of STEM education, brought together more than 90 teams representing 50 countries. Students competed in designing, building, and racing miniature Formula One vehicles, a hands-on program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical engineering skills. For the Saudi teams, the competition was an opportunity to showcase the nation’s growing talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics on an international platform.
The achievement was historic: the Saudi teams broke into the global top 10, marking the first time the Kingdom had multiple teams ranked so highly in the competition’s history. This milestone not only highlights the quality of STEM education in Saudi Arabia but also positions the Kingdom as a rising hub for young engineering talent.
Maha Abdulhadi, head of the STEM Racing KSA Program at Ithra, praised the students’ efforts: “Winning two international awards is a proud moment for Saudi Arabia and a testament to the ambition and resilience of our youth.
Earning a place among the global top 10 proves the Kingdom’s capacity to lead in applied education and innovation. This achievement is not an endpoint but the beginning of a greater journey toward even more international success.”
The journey to this global recognition began months earlier. The four teams earned their spots in Singapore after winning the Saudi National STEM Racing Finals, hosted at Ithra in Dhahran. Since December 2024, the fourth edition of STEM Racing KSA engaged more than 280 students aged 14 to 16 from six cities across Saudi Arabia.
The program is designed to combine classroom learning with real-world engineering experience, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills in young learners.
STEM Racing KSA, originally launched in 2022 as F1 in Schools before evolving under Ithra’s guidance, enables students to design and manufacture miniature race cars powered by compressed gas cylinders that race on actual tracks. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes project management, design thinking, and entrepreneurship, preparing students for careers in science and innovation.
Aramco’s continued support of the initiative has been instrumental in expanding the program’s reach and enhancing its quality. By providing mentorship, access to cutting-edge resources, and guidance from industry experts, the program ensures students gain hands-on experience that aligns with global standards in STEM education.
Saudi teams have steadily built a strong record of success in recent years. Previous accolades include the FIA Women in Motorsport Award (2022), the Innovation Thinking Award (2023), and multiple honors in 2024, such as the Best Engineered Car Award, Best Enterprise Portfolio Award, and Best Application of Management Award. This year’s achievements reinforce the Kingdom’s reputation as a nation nurturing world-class young talent in science, technology, and innovation.
The Aramco STEM Racing World Finals serve not only as a competition but also as a platform for international collaboration. Students gain exposure to diverse cultures, exchange innovative ideas, and experience first-hand the global impact of STEM disciplines. For Saudi Arabia, such achievements underscore the effectiveness of programs like STEM Racing KSA in cultivating a generation capable of contributing to the nation’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in building a knowledge-based economy and advancing technological leadership.
As Saudi youth continue to excel on global platforms, the Kingdom’s commitment to education, creativity, and innovation is increasingly evident. Programs like STEM Racing KSA demonstrate that with vision, mentorship, and determination, Saudi students can not only compete but lead on the world stage.
For the students of Rimah, Yalla, Giddam, and Sadeem, the experience is just the beginning. With global recognition secured and international awards in hand, they return home inspired to push boundaries, innovate further, and continue raising Saudi Arabia’s profile as a hub of talent and creativity in STEM.
