Saudi Arabia to host 2026 International Nuclear Science Olympiad in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia has received royal approval to host the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026) in Jeddah, with 19 countries participating and around 120 students and scientific experts expected to attend. The event will be jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and will be hosted by King Abdulaziz University from August 2 to 9, 2026.

The opening ceremony of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad will be held under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, on Monday, August 3, 2026.

The International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO), established by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2024, serves as a global platform for students to exchange expertise in nuclear science and its peaceful applications. It aims to promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies, encourage young people to specialize in this vital field, and inspire them to develop solutions and innovations that expand the peaceful uses of nuclear science.
Abdulaziz Al-Kuraidis, Secretary-General of Mawhiba, expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership for its ongoing support of talented and creative students, enabling Saudi youth to compete in international scientific forums and strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a global destination for major scientific competitions and events.

He also praised the strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, highlighting their support and cooperation in organizing the Olympiad. This collaboration helps empower scientific talent, develop students' skills in nuclear science and its peaceful applications, and prepare national cadres in advanced scientific fields.

Al-Kuraidis further commended the strong strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, a key partner for Mawhiba in discovering, nurturing, and empowering talented students. He also acknowledged the support for scientific programs and competitions, and valued the partnership with King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy for its role in organizing the Olympiad and enhancing student training in peaceful nuclear energy applications.
Hosting the Olympiad in Saudi Arabia underscores the Kingdom's leading role in organizing international scientific competitions, its efforts to provide competitive environments that foster talent development and scientific cooperation, and its success in hosting the International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh in 2024 and the Asian Physics Olympiad in the Eastern Province in 2025.

Saudi Arabia, represented by Mawhiba, began participating in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad with its inaugural edition in 2024 in the Philippines, followed by the 2025 edition in Malaysia, earning five international awards, including one silver and three bronze medals.
Hosting the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting scientific excellence, enhances its presence in organizing global scientific events, and reinforces its status as a leading destination for major scientific gatherings, contributing to the preparation of national talent in advanced scientific fields.