Saudi Students Represent Kingdom at Korea’s Global Tech Olympiad

A team of Saudi students is representing the Kingdom at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) in Korea, one of the world’s most prestigious competitions for young programmers. The event, which draws participants from over 90 countries, challenges students to solve complex algorithmic problems under timed conditions, testing both their technical prowess and creative thinking.

The Saudi delegation, selected through a rigorous national process, includes some of the country’s brightest young minds in computer science. Their journey to Korea follows months of intensive training and mentorship, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in STEM education and digital innovation.

The IOI is widely regarded as a launchpad for future tech leaders, with alumni often going on to careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. For Saudi Arabia, participation in the Olympiad is part of a broader push to nurture homegrown talent and position the Kingdom as a regional hub for technology and innovation.

“We are proud to see our students competing at this level,” said a spokesperson from the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), which oversees the national selection process. “Their achievements reflect the potential of Saudi youth and the country’s commitment to developing a knowledge-based economy.”

The competition in Korea features a series of individual and team challenges, with medals awarded to top performers. Beyond the contest itself, the IOI offers students the chance to connect with peers from around the world, exchange ideas, and experience new cultures.

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the IOI is part of a wider trend of increased engagement in international science and technology competitions. In recent years, Saudi students have earned recognition at events such as the International Mathematical Olympiad and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.