Saudi AI team clinches 3 international awards at Olympiad

Saudi Arabia's national Artificial Intelligence team has secured three international awards at the prestigious International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI 2026). The competition, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from August 2 to 8, saw participation from 108 countries.

The Saudi team, a collaboration between the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), the Ministry of Education, and KAUST Academy, earned a silver medal and two bronze medals. Student Youssef Farid Al-Khalawi from Jeddah received the silver medal, while Ali Ayman Al-Khabaz from the Eastern Province and Qusai Imad Jadallah from Jeddah were awarded bronze medals.

This achievement boosts the Kingdom's overall medal count in the IOAI to seven, comprising one silver and six bronze medals. The success is attributed to a rigorous preparation program managed by Mawhiba in partnership with the Ministry of Education. This program included intensive training in AI concepts and applications, guided by leading experts and academics.

The IOAI is a key global competition for high school students focused on artificial intelligence, aiming to enhance skills in machine learning, data analysis, algorithms, and programming. It also fosters scientific collaboration among young talents worldwide. The Saudi team's performance reflects the Kingdom's increasing prominence in international science arenas and the effectiveness of its national system for nurturing and empowering gifted students.