RIYADH: The General Secretariat of King Faisal Prize announced on Sunday that it is accepting nominations for the 2026 awards in five categories: service to Islam, Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine, and science.
King Faisal Prize Secretary-General Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Sebail highlighted the prize’s 48-year history of recognizing individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions to humanity.
He said specific themes have been established for each category in the 2026 awards — in Islamic studies: “Trade Routes in the Islamic World”; in Arabic language and literature: “Arabic Literature in French”; in medicine: “Discoveries Transforming Obesity Therapeutics”; and in science: “Mathematics.”
The service to Islam prize remains an honorary award acknowledging exceptional service to Islam, Muslims, and humanity.
Nominations are open from Sept. 1 to March 31, 2025, and can be submitted by academic and scientific institutions, as well as by research centers.
Submissions are accepted via post, email at [email protected], or the online portal kingfaisalprize.org/nominations.
The King Faisal Prize was established in 1977, and was awarded for the first time in 1979 in three categories: service to Islam, Islamic studies, and Arabic language and literature.
Two additional categories, medicine and science, were introduced in 1981. The first medicine prize was awarded in 1982, and in science two years later.
The award recognizes the outstanding works of individuals and institutions, and aims to benefit Muslims, as well as enrich human knowledge and development.
Each laureate is endowed with $200,000, a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a certificate inscribed with the laureate’s name and a summary of the work that qualified them for recognition.
