© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
20 Years of Celebrating Innovation
$500,000
The Largest PRIZE in food security in dryland regions
The Nomination Period For The 2026 Cycle Will Start On 14th May 2026
The Nomination Period For The 2026 Cycle Will Start On 14th May 2026
Submission is currently stopped for development the prize and website
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Who We Are
Almarai is a publicly traded joint-stock company based in Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 1977 by HH Prince Sultan bin Mohammed. Over the years, the company has grown to become the largest food and beverage manufacturer and distributor in the Middle East, and the world's largest vertically integrated dairy company.
In 2001, Almarai partnered with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to establish "Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity." The prize aimed to recognize the achievements of distinguished national researchers in research, development, and innovation and to support the national scientific and innovation communities.
To align with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the adoption of the four national priorities for R&D and innovation, Almarai and KACST have revamped the prize to introduced a new international prize called the "Almarai Prize." This prize is focused on "food security in dryland regions" and is open to scientists from around the globe, to become one of the world's largest awards in this field and help Almarai company to continue playing its vital role in ensuring the future of humanity “ Caring for People ".
Founder of Almarai Company
Prize Overview
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The primary aim of the Almarai Prize is to honor exceptional researches that have significant and transformative scientific contributions with both cognitive and economic ramifications within the realm of food security in dryland regions. These contributions align with the Kingdom’s "National Aspirations and Priorities for RDI", emphasizing its commitment to Sustainable Environment and Supply of Essential Needs. In addition, it contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to the scope of the Prize.
Objectives of the Prize:
- Encouraging and providing support for researchers and research organizations to engage in research aligned with the national priorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation sector, focusing on environmental sustainability and the provision of essential needs. In addition, it contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to the scope of the Prize.
- Enhancing the Kingdom’s standing and progress in food security benchmarks by honoring scientific research and innovations within this field of interest.
- Spotlighting pioneering international efforts in the specialized field of food security in dryland regions and the potential for partners to leverage these advancements in advancing their own endeavors.
- Educating future generations about distinguished research and innovations within the Prize’s specified field, thereby inspiring their involvement in research, development, and innovation in the realm of food security.
Prize Overview
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Prize Field
Target Group
Prize Value
Prize Cycle
Board of Trustees
H.E Dr. Munir Eldesouki
KACST President
Chairman of the Board
HH Prince Naif Al Saud
Almarai Board Chairman
Vice Chairman of the Board
Prof. Abdulaziz Almalik
Deputy Minister for Research & Innovation, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Saudi Arabia
Board Member
Mr. Fawaz Al-Jasser
Almarai CEO
Board Member
Dr. Rami Khalil Niazi
Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA)
Board Member
Prof. Omar Yaghi
Professor of Chemistry/University of California, Berkeley
Board Member
Prof. Joel Cuello
Professor of Biosystems Engineering/The University of Arizona, USA
Board Member
Prof. Rod Wing
Distinguished Visiting Professor and assistant to the president / King Abdullah University of Science and Technology ( KAUST). Regents Professor/ The University of Arizona, USA.
Board Member
Mr. Abdullah Alkhaled
KACST
Board Member / Secretary
The Prize is valued at five hundred thousand US dollars
$500,000
The Largest Prize Dedicated to Food Security in Dryland Regions
Nomination Information
Laureates
2024
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
"Enhancing Food Security in Arab Countries"
