The Saudi national team has secured three international awards at the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026) in Uzbekistan. The event, which took place from August 9 to 16, 2026, featured 386 students representing 97 countries in a global competition focused on computer science and programming.
Historic Silver Medal for Saudi Arabia
Student Mohammed Al-Asmari, representing the Royal Commission for Jubail Education Directorate, secured a silver medal during the competition. This achievement marks the first silver medal won by a Saudi participant since the Kingdom began participating in the event. Meanwhile, student Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Aiban from the Riyadh Education Directorate won a bronze medal, and Saad Bandar Al-Arifi, also from the Riyadh Education Directorate, received a certificate of merit.
The four high school students representing the Kingdom underwent extensive preparation. This training was supervised by the King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as Mawhiba, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education. The initiative is part of the Mawhiba Program for International Olympiads, with sponsorship from Tatweer Education Holding, focusing on advanced Education & Training and skill development.
Saudi Achievements in the Olympiad in Informatics
The three new awards increase the Kingdom’s historical total in the competition. Saudi Arabia has now won a total of 14 international awards at the Olympiad in Informatics, which includes one silver medal, eight bronze medals, and five certificates of merit. This outcome demonstrates a steady improvement over the previous year’s results, where the team secured one bronze medal and two certificates of merit.
The continuous progress highlights the effectiveness of the national training programs. These programs aim to build capabilities in Computers & Laptops and software development, aligning with national strategic goals to foster technical talent across various scientific disciplines.
Training and Preparation Process
Before competing in Uzbekistan, the Saudi team completed a structured training program. This preparation included intensive training camps, selection trials, and simulation exams designed to test their capabilities under competitive conditions. The curriculum focused on enhancing problem-solving skills and developing strategic thinking for complex computational challenges.
The training also emphasized practical application in programming and algorithm design. Students learned to optimize their code and manage complex data structures, which are essential components for success in international technical competitions.
History of the International Competition
The Olympiad in Informatics is one of the most established computer science competitions in the world, having launched its inaugural edition in 1989. The annual event requires participants to compete individually, solving algorithmic problems that test their analytical skills, programming efficiency, and ability to verify software solutions.
Participants must demonstrate advanced knowledge in designing algorithms and structuring data. The competition serves as a benchmark for young programmers globally, encouraging the development of software engineering and Apps & Software development skills among high school students worldwide.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
