Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad: 6 geniuses represent the Kingdom in Moscow
The Saudi national science team is preparing to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the 60th edition of the Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad (IMChO 2026), which will be hosted by the Russian capital, Moscow, from April 15 to 23, 2026. This distinguished participation comes under the umbrella of the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity “Mawhiba”, in cooperation and strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, to enhance the presence of young national talents in major international scientific forums.
What is the Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad and how did it begin?
The Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad is one of the world's most prestigious and rigorous scientific competitions in chemistry, renowned for its highly advanced questions and rigorous competition mechanisms that test the critical thinking and analytical skills of outstanding students. The first edition of this historic competition was launched in 1967 in Dnipropetrovsk as a local Soviet competition, before evolving into a prominent international event that attracts the brightest minds in chemistry from around the globe. The Olympiad is named after the famous Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev, the creator of the periodic table of chemical elements, in commemoration of his groundbreaking scientific contributions that revolutionized modern science.
National luminaries: Six ambassadors raise the Kingdom's flag in Moscow
Representing the Kingdom in this highly anticipated competition are six of its finest high school students, all of whom have received top-tier academic training and development. The list of participating prodigies includes: Ali Ahmed Bawazir from the Riyadh Education Department, Sarah Faisal Musfir Al-Raqeeb from the Taif Education Department, Saleh bin Mubarak Al-Harbi from the Royal Commission in Jubail, Abdulaziz Bader Al-Juaid from the Madinah Education Department, Mujtaba Abdul-Ilah Al-Tarouti from the Eastern Province Education Department, and Ali Salem Al-Yami from the Najran Education Department. This geographical diversity reflects the comprehensive care and attention given to gifted students across all regions of Saudi Arabia.
The expected impact and a history full of Saudi achievements
The importance of this participation extends beyond the competitive aspect alone, encompassing crucial local, regional, and international dimensions. Locally, these competitions contribute to preparing a generation of Saudis capable of leading the research, development, and innovation sectors, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom solidifies its position as a leading nation in supporting science and academic excellence, thereby strengthening research partnerships and knowledge exchange with leading universities and scientific institutions worldwide.
This participation builds upon Saudi Arabia's strong presence in the Olympiad since 2013, during which the Kingdom has participated 13 times, with its brightest minds winning 28 international awards, including 3 silver and 23 bronze medals. Students undergo intensive training programs throughout the year, encompassing theoretical and practical preparatory phases, as well as domestic and international training camps designed to develop their skills in solving complex chemical problems and ensure their readiness to compete for top global rankings.
