Saudi students have strengthened the Kingdom’s presence in global scientific competitions after winning 14 international awards in mathematics, biology and chemistry in less than a week.
The achievements coincide with Saudi Arabia securing the right to host the 57th International Physics Olympiad in 2027.
The results follow extensive preparation through international Olympiad programs organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, “Mawhiba,” in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
Historic Result in Mathematics
Saudi Arabia’s mathematics team won six medals at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad, IMO 2026, held in Shanghai, China.
The competition brought together 666 students representing 117 countries.
Saudi students secured three silver and three bronze medals, marking the Kingdom’s best result since it began participating in the International Mathematical Olympiad in 2004.
The latest achievement raises Saudi Arabia’s historical IMO tally to 88 international awards, comprising 15 silver medals, 51 bronze medals and 22 certificates of merit.
Four Awards in Biology
The Saudi biology team also secured four awards at the 37th International Biology Olympiad, IBO 2026, held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
A total of 312 students representing 80 countries participated in the competition.
Saudi students won one silver medal, two bronze medals and a certificate of merit, taking the Kingdom’s overall tally in the competition to 19 international awards.
Four Chemistry Medals
Saudi Arabia added another four medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad, IChO 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The event attracted 363 students representing 92 countries.
The Saudi team won two silver and two bronze medals, bringing the Kingdom’s historical tally at the Chemistry Olympiad to 53 awards, including 17 silver medals, 34 bronze medals and two certificates of merit.
Together, the mathematics, biology and chemistry results brought Saudi Arabia’s total to 14 international awards within less than a week.
Saudi Arabia to Host International Physics Olympiad 2027
Alongside its students’ achievements, Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the 57th International Physics Olympiad, IPhO 2027, following approval of its hosting proposal by the Olympiad’s international council.
The decision builds on the Kingdom’s growing role as a host of major international scientific competitions.
Saudi Arabia hosted the International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh in 2024 and the Asian Physics Olympiad in Dhahran in 2025. Jeddah is also preparing to host the International Nuclear Science Olympiad in August 2026.
The latest achievements highlight the Kingdom’s expanding investment in scientific talent and the development of students capable of competing at the highest international levels.
