Saudi Arabia hosted the International Nuclear Science Olympiad for the first time in the Middle East, bringing together 120 students and scientific experts from 19 countries for a program focused on nuclear science and technology.
The competition, held in Jeddah, included studies in nuclear physics, radiation protection, peaceful applications of radiation, and practical training involving nuclear measurements and experiments.
The event comes weeks after Saudi Arabia received approval to move forward with the construction of a nuclear reactor, drawing additional attention to the Kingdom’s rapidly developing nuclear ambitions.
Twelve of the 19 participating countries were Muslim-majority nations, including two countries bordering Israel — Jordan and Syria. Turkey and Pakistan, which have strengthened security ties with Saudi Arabia, also participated.
The full list of participating countries included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand and Turkey.
The International Nuclear Science Olympiad was approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2024.
According to the IAEA, the competition is intended to promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies, encourage young people to pursue careers and education in nuclear science, and foster innovation in nuclear applications.
The event also provided participants with hands-on scientific training, including nuclear measurements, alongside theoretical instruction.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the competition comes as Riyadh continues expanding its involvement in nuclear technology and pursuing plans for a domestic civilian nuclear program.
The Kingdom has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear ambitions are focused on peaceful purposes, including energy production, while developments surrounding the program continue to receive close attention across the Middle East.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
