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The International Olympiad Council granted the hosting rights for the 57th IPhO while the competition ran from July 4 to 12 in Bucaramanga according to the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity. Mawhiba which manages the Kingdom’s science olympiad program described the approval as recognition of Saudi Arabia’s growing contributions to international scientific education. The foundation highlighted the country’s recent success in organizing similar global events as a key factor in the council’s decision. Officials noted that the bid process emphasized Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and experience with large-scale academic gatherings.
The Saudi team of five students secured five awards at the 56th IPhO Mawhiba reported. Participants competed in five-hour theoretical and five-hour experimental examinations under standards set by the International Olympiad Council. Preparation for the team involved intensive training camps and selection through the National Science and Mathematics Olympiad the foundation stated. This performance adds to the nation’s track record in the competition which it joined in 2011.
Mawhiba figures show Saudi students have earned 30 medals and 22 honorable mentions since first participating in the IPhO. The foundation has built a comprehensive program that identifies talent early and provides specialized coaching from local and international experts. Such structured development has enabled consistent improvement in results over the past 15 years according to Mawhiba data.
Saudi Arabia successfully hosted the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh during July 2024 attracting 333 students from 90 countries Mawhiba recalled. The foundation also organized the 25th Asian Physics Olympiad in Dhahran in May 2025 with 240 students from 30 countries. These events demonstrated the Kingdom’s ability to manage complex international competitions the foundation said in its announcement.
The selection to host the 2027 IPhO supports the goals of the Human Capability Development Program which focuses on nurturing innovation and knowledge-based skills Mawhiba explained. The foundation is currently preparing to stage the third International Natural Sciences Olympiad in Jeddah from August 2 to 9. This upcoming event will serve as further preparation for the larger physics competition in 2027 according to Mawhiba.
Each IPhO team consists of up to five pre-university students who represent their countries in the demanding examinations the International Olympiad Council guidelines state. The annual event rotates hosts and has grown to include participants from approximately 90 nations in recent years. Saudi Arabia’s successful bid reflects the progress of its national talent development initiatives since 2011 Mawhiba noted.
