A number of Saudi students have achieved outstanding results in a national test recognizing academic giftedness, with several securing places at top universities around the world.
This year’s students from Downe House Riyadh who were recognized for their scores in the Mawhiba Multiple Cognitive Aptitude Test include Aseel Al-Bagieh (year eight), Safanah Al-Homood (year five), Jodi Al-Rehaili (year nine) and Lulwa Al-Habdan (year four).
The students’ achievement reflects not only academic ability, but also critical thinking, problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity.
Year 13 student and Saudi national Leen Al-Yahyawi also achieved a significant milestone, receiving acceptance to the University of California, Berkeley, alongside a full Saudi scholarship.
Yasmin Zaini, Downe House Riyadh’s head girl and a Saudi national, also received multiple offers and scholarships from globally recognized institutions including IE University Madrid, Indiana University Bloomington and the University of Colorado Boulder.
Zaini balanced her academic studies with an international training program for the Saudi national snowboarding team.
Haya Al-Abdulwahab also achieved an outstanding score in the Qudrat examinations for university admissions.
“We are incredibly proud of our girls and all they have achieved. Their success reflects not only their individual dedication, but also the strength of the academic pathways and personalized support that makes the difference at Downe House Riyadh,” said principal Deborah Sharifi in a statement.
The Mawhiba Multiple Cognitive Aptitude Test is a nationally recognized assessment administered by the King Abdulaziz & His Companions Foundation for Giftedness & Creativity, known as Mawhiba.
The test, offered in Arabic and English at more than 100 centers, assesses mental flexibility, reasoning and comprehension skills.
Mawhiba has set a Guinness World Record for the highest number of registrations for a cognitive aptitude test in a single month.
The national program aims to create a comprehensive database of gifted students, raise community awareness about giftedness and support their development through various enrichment programs.
