Saudi Arabia Successfully Hosts INSO 2026 in Jeddah

The Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khuraidis, extended his congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, on the Kingdom’s successful hosting and organization of the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026), and on the scientific achievements of Saudi students who topped the competition’s results.

The Olympiad, held in Jeddah from August 2 to 9, 2026, marked the first time the event was hosted in the Middle East, with participation from 120 students and scientific specialists representing 19 countries. The event was organized jointly by the Ministry of Education, Mawhiba, and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), and hosted by King Abdulaziz University.

Context and Background

The International Nuclear Science Olympiad was approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2024 as a global scientific competition aimed at high school students. Its objectives include developing knowledge and skills in nuclear science and its peaceful applications, enhancing scientific cooperation and exchange of expertise among youth, and encouraging innovation and scientific research in this field. The third edition, INSO 2026, built on previous successes, and Saudi Arabia’s hosting underscored its growing role in international scientific education.

Al-Khuraidis emphasized that this success is a continuation of the leadership’s attention to human development and investment in national talent, and support for programs and initiatives that enhance the competitiveness of Saudi youth in scientific and technical fields, and consolidate the Kingdom’s position in science and innovation, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. He noted that the scientific and organizational success, and the capabilities of the Kingdom in hosting international scientific forums, is the fruit—after God’s guidance—of the support enjoyed by the talent, creativity, and innovation ecosystem from the wise leadership, and the enablers provided that contributed to the success of this international event.

Key Details

The Olympiad witnessed the participation of four main committees with 34 sub-teams, and specialized committees held 72 meetings, in addition to three meetings of the International Council of the Olympiad to follow up on the competitions and approve scientific, organizational, and final results. Some 35 members of the scientific committee executed the scientific work, and the questions for the theoretical and practical exams were prepared and translated into 11 languages to ensure equal opportunities among participants. The organizational committee and volunteers from the Mawhiba community managed the delegations and events.

The accompanying program included 10 cultural and tourism events aimed at enriching the experience of participating delegations, enhancing cultural exchange among students, and introducing them to the Kingdom’s heritage and landmarks. Al-Khuraidis commended the strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, the partnership with KACARE, and the hosting by King Abdulaziz University, as well as the efforts of the organizing committees and volunteers that contributed to organizing the event according to international scientific and organizational standards.

Implications and Impact

The successful hosting of INSO 2026 reflects the integration of efforts among national entities and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for international scientific events. It also highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering talent and innovation, which are key drivers of economic diversification and global competitiveness. This event not only showcased the capabilities of Saudi students but also promoted cultural exchange and international cooperation in peaceful nuclear applications. The participation of 19 countries demonstrates the global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s educational and scientific infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Olympiad’s focus on nuclear science aligns with global trends in energy and technology, where peaceful nuclear applications play a vital role in sustainable development. By hosting such events, Saudi Arabia contributes to shaping the future of nuclear science education and encourages youth to pursue careers in this critical field. The accolades from Al-Khuraidis to the leadership underscore the nation’s pride in its youth and their achievements on the world stage.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This achievement is a testament to the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes human capital development, innovation, and a diversified knowledge-based economy. By investing in gifted education and hosting international scientific competitions, Saudi Arabia is nurturing a generation of leaders equipped to drive progress in science and technology. The success of INSO 2026 not only elevates the Kingdom’s global standing but also inspires future generations to contribute to the nation’s journey toward excellence and sustainable prosperity.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did Saudi Arabia successfully host in August 2026?

A1. Saudi Arabia hosted the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026) in Jeddah from August 2 to 9, 2026. It was the first time the event was held in the Middle East, with 120 participants from 19 countries.

Q2. Who is Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khuraidis?

A2. Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khuraidis is the Secretary-General of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba). He extended congratulations to the Saudi leadership on the successful hosting of INSO 2026.

Q3. Which Saudi entities organized INSO 2026?

A3. The event was organized jointly by the Ministry of Education, Mawhiba, and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), and hosted by King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

Q4. How many countries participated in INSO 2026?

A4. Nineteen countries participated in INSO 2026, with a total of 120 students and scientific specialists. This diverse participation highlights the international significance of the competition.

Q5. What is the purpose of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad?

A5. The Olympiad aims to develop high school students’ knowledge and skills in nuclear science and its peaceful applications, enhance scientific cooperation, exchange expertise among youth, and encourage innovation and research in the field.

Q6. When was the International Nuclear Science Olympiad approved?

A6. The International Nuclear Science Olympiad was approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2024. The third edition took place in 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

Q7. How many committees and teams were involved in INSO 2026?

A7. There were four main committees with 34 sub-teams. These committees held 72 meetings, in addition to three meetings of the International Council of the Olympiad to oversee the competitions and approve results.

Q8. In how many languages were the exam questions translated?

A8. The questions for both the theoretical and practical exams were translated into 11 languages. This ensured equal opportunities for all participants and facilitated fair competition.

Q9. What cultural activities accompanied the Olympiad?

A9. The accompanying program featured 10 cultural and tourism events. These aimed to enrich the experience of delegations, promote cultural exchange among students, and introduce them to Saudi heritage and landmarks.

Q10. What did Al-Khuraidis say about the role of Saudi leadership?

A10. Al-Khuraidis stated that the success stems from the leadership’s attention to human development, investment in national talent, and support for programs that enhance youth competitiveness in scientific and technical fields, aligning with Vision 2030.

Q11. How does INSO 2026 reflect Saudi Vision 2030?

A11. It reflects Vision 2030 by prioritizing human capital development, innovation, and a knowledge-based economy. Hosting such events showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing talent and global scientific collaboration.

Q12. What was the significance of hosting INSO in the Middle East for the first time?

A12. It underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing role in international scientific education and its capability to host major global events. It also highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing nuclear science education regionally.

Q13. Who were the partners in organizing INSO 2026?

A13. The strategic partners included the Ministry of Education, Mawhiba, KACARE, and King Abdulaziz University. Their collaboration ensured the event met international scientific and organizational standards.

Q14. What achievements did Saudi students make at INSO 2026?

A14. Saudi students topped the competition’s results, achieving scientific excellence. Their success reflects the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s talent development programs and the support provided by the leadership.

Q15. How many scientific committee members contributed to INSO 2026?

A15. Thirty-five members of the scientific committee executed the scientific work of the Olympiad. They prepared and reviewed the theoretical and practical exams, ensuring rigorous academic standards.

Q16. What role did volunteers play in INSO 2026?

A16. Volunteers from the Mawhiba community, along with the organizational committee, managed delegations and events. Their efforts were crucial for the smooth operation of the Olympiad.

Q17. What is the significance of nuclear science education for Saudi Arabia?

A17. Nuclear science education supports Saudi Arabia’s goals in energy diversification, technology, and sustainable development. It prepares youth for careers in peaceful nuclear applications and research.

Q18. How does INSO 2026 contribute to international cooperation?

A18. By bringing together participants from 19 countries, INSO 2026 fosters scientific exchange and collaboration. It strengthens global networks among young scientists and promotes peaceful uses of nuclear science.

Q19. What did Al-Khuraidis emphasize about national integration?

A19. He emphasized the integration of efforts among national entities, including the Ministry of Education, KACARE, and King Abdulaziz University, which was key to the event’s success.

Q20. What is the future outlook for Saudi Arabia in hosting scientific events?

A20. Saudi Arabia aims to continue hosting international scientific events, reinforcing its status as a global hub for innovation and education. This aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives for a knowledge-based economy.

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