JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia welcomed some of the world’s brightest young scientific minds on Monday as the Kingdom opened the third International Nuclear Science Olympiad in Jeddah, bringing together 120 students and experts from 19 countries.
The ceremony was attended by Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan, and senior representatives from the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as Mawhiba, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and King Abdulaziz University.
The Olympiad provides an international platform for outstanding high school students to demonstrate their knowledge of nuclear science while promoting scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration among young researchers worldwide.
The event also reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to advancing science education and nurturing the next generation of STEM talent.
In his opening speech, Al-Benyan said hosting the event strengthens the Kingdom’s leadership and position as a global center for knowledge production. He praised the leadership’s support and Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on investing in human capital.
He added that hosting the Olympiad builds on the Kingdom’s strong record of organizing international science competitions, following its successful hosting of the International Chemistry Olympiad in 2024 and the Asian Physics Olympiad in 2025.
Maya Said Al-Azri, chair of the Olympiad’s steering committee, said the International Nuclear Science Olympiad in Saudi Arabia continues to serve as a platform for nurturing the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers and innovators.
Al-Azri said the Kingdom’s hosting of the Olympiad marks a new chapter in its journey and reflects its commitment to supporting science and empowering young people.
Represented by Mawhiba, Saudi Arabia has participated in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad since its inaugural edition in the Philippines in 2024 and the 2025 edition in Malaysia, winning five international awards, including one silver and three bronze medals.
Abdulaziz Al-Besher, deputy secretary-general for gifted empowerment at and chair of the Olympiad’s National Supervisory Committee, told Arab News: “The primary objective of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad hosted by Saudi Arabia is to showcase the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing nuclear education and fostering international cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.”
Al-Besher said the competition provides a platform for exchanging ideas, building friendships, and inspiring the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers.
“We are proud to host the third edition of the Olympiad in Saudi Arabia because it is a platform for unity, where diverse minds come together to address humanity’s greatest challenges,” he added.
The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, Mawhiba, and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, with King Abdulaziz University hosting it from Aug. 3 to 9.
