Participants won 49 medals, including 8 gold and 17 silver
The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) announced the final results of the National Science and Mathematics Olympiad (Nesmo), which it organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education in Riyadh from May 16 to 19, 2026, with the participation of 864 male and female students from various regions of the kingdom.
The competitions resulted in 223 male and female students qualifying for the Mawhiba International Olympiad program in six scientific teams, while participants won 49 medals, including 8 gold, 17 silver, and 24 bronze. The Riyadh and Eastern Province education departments led in the number of medals, with 11 each, followed by Al-Ahsa with 9 medals, then Jeddah with 7 medals.
Eight male and female students won gold medals in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, science, mathematics, and informatics from the education departments of Al-Ahsa, Jeddah, the Eastern Province, and Riyadh.
The final stage involved 18 coordinators, 25 members of scientific teams, 28 supervisors, and 90 team leaders, while student preparations relied on the Nesmo library, which includes 16 training packages and over 200 educational videos.
The Nesmo Olympiad is the largest annual national competition in science and mathematics, targeting students from the first year of middle school to the first year of high school. Its first stage recorded the participation of 99,179 male and female students from 8,356 schools in 47 cities and governorates.
The Olympiad is part of Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education’s efforts to build a national system for nurturing and empowering gifted students and enhancing the kingdom’s presence in international scientific competitions, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba)
Mawhiba, officially the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, is a Saudi Arabian institution established in 1999 to identify and nurture talented individuals in science, technology, and innovation. Founded under the patronage of the late King Fahd, it honors the legacy of King Abdulaziz Al Saud by fostering a culture of creativity and supporting gifted students through specialized programs and partnerships. The foundation plays a key role in developing national human capital and promoting Saudi Arabia’s vision for a knowledge-based economy.
National Science and Mathematics Olympiad (Nesmo)
The National Science and Mathematics Olympiad (NESMO) is an academic competition in Nepal designed to promote interest and excellence in science and mathematics among secondary-level students. Established to identify and nurture young talents, it provides a platform for students to showcase their problem-solving skills and knowledge. The event has grown in prominence, contributing to the development of STEM education in the country.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. Originally a small, walled desert settlement known for its date palms and wells, it grew in prominence after the Al Saud family captured it in 1902, eventually becoming the political and financial center of the modern kingdom. Today, Riyadh blends its rich Bedouin heritage with futuristic skyscrapers, serving as the nation’s hub for government, commerce, and culture.
Eastern Province
The Eastern Province is Saudi Arabia’s largest province, known for its vast oil reserves and strategic location along the Arabian Gulf. Historically, it was a key center for pearl diving and trade before the discovery of oil in the 1930s transformed it into a global energy hub. Today, it is home to major cities like Dammam, Dhahran, and Al-Ahsa, the latter being a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient oases and cultural significance.
Al-Ahsa
Al-Ahsa is a historic oasis region in eastern Saudi Arabia, renowned for its vast date palm groves and natural springs. Its history dates back thousands of years, serving as a key crossroads for trade and settlement, and it was once part of the ancient Dilmun civilization. In 2018, the Al-Ahsa Oasis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its unique cultural landscape and traditional irrigation systems.
Jeddah
Jeddah is a major port city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, historically serving as a key gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Its history dates back to the 7th century, when it was established as a major harbor for the Islamic world. Today, the city is known for its historic Al-Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring traditional coral-stone architecture and bustling souks.
