Saudi Students Win Five Awards at International Physics Olympiad as Kingdom Secures 2027 Hosting Rights

Saudi Arabia’s national physics team achieved another major milestone after winning five awards at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, where 381 high school students from 87 countries competed in one of the world’s most prestigious science competitions.

The latest achievement raises the Kingdom’s all-time International Physics Olympiad record to eight silver medals, 26 bronze medals, and 23 honorable mentions, highlighting the steady progress of Saudi students on the global scientific stage.

The winning students completed an intensive training program organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) in partnership with the Ministry of Education. Their preparation included advanced theoretical and practical training camps led by Saudi and international experts.

In another significant achievement, the International Physics Olympiad Board officially approved Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 57th International Physics Olympiad in 2027, reflecting growing international confidence in the Kingdom’s organizational capabilities and expanding scientific infrastructure.

The hosting rights build on Saudi Arabia’s successful record of organizing major global science events, including the International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh in 2024, the Asian Physics Olympiad in Dhahran in 2025, and the upcoming International Nuclear Science Olympiad, scheduled to take place in Jeddah this August.

Meanwhile, Mawhiba continues to strengthen the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem through its 2026 Mawhiba Summer Program, currently running across 19 cities and serving more than 12,000 students with specialized programs in scientific research, technology, innovation, leadership, and game development. The initiative supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by investing in young talent and building a knowledge-based economy.