Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is the destination for the Saudi Arabian informatics team participating in the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026) from August 9 to 16. The competition involves students from approximately 100 countries.
According to SPA, the Kingdom is represented by four high school students. These participants underwent preparation and selection through the King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba” in partnership with the Ministry of Education as part of the Mawhiba program for international olympiads.
This marks the eighth time the Kingdom has participated in the International Olympiad in Informatics. In seven previous appearances, Saudi students earned 11 international awards, consisting of seven bronze medals and four honorable mentions.
The IOI, which held its first stage in Bulgaria in 1989, is an international scientific competition for high school students. Participants compete individually by solving problems that require skills in problem analysis, algorithm development, data structures, programming, and solution testing.
Who represents Saudi Arabia at the IOI 2026 and how were they selected? The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is represented by a team of four high school students. These students were selected and prepared under the guidance of the King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba” in partnership with the Ministry of Education through the Mawhiba program for international olympiads.
What is the history of Saudi participation in the International Olympiad in Informatics? The Kingdom is participating in the International Olympiad in Informatics for the eighth time. Over the course of seven previous participations, Saudi students have achieved 11 international awards, which include four honorable mentions and seven bronze medals.
What are the details and requirements of the IOI 2026 competition? The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics takes place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from August 9 to 16 with students from about 100 countries. Participants compete individually to solve tasks involving programming, data structures, algorithm development, problem analysis, and the testing of solutions for correctness.