The "Nasmo" Science and Mathematics Olympiad concluded with the participation of 864 students
concluded in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. National Science and Mathematics Olympiad, "Nasmo,"The event saw wide participation, with 864 students representing the brightest young minds. This prominent scientific event is jointly organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education, in a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing scientific capabilities and discovering national talent. The final results will be announced on June 2nd.
Details of the National Science and Mathematics Olympiad “Nasmo” competitions
The fourth and final stage of the Olympiad, held from May 16 to 19, featured intensive tests designed according to the highest international standards. The competitions included two theoretical exams in mathematics and informatics, as well as two exams (theoretical and practical) in the sciences: biology, physics, and chemistry. These tests were administered over two consecutive days, with each exam lasting three hours, to ensure a thorough and accurate assessment of the students' abilities.
Distribution of competitors across scientific disciplines
The Mawhiba Foundation explained that the finals witnessed fierce competition among 864 male and female students representing national teams from various educational districts. The participants were distributed across six main disciplines: 216 in mathematics, 216 in informatics, 108 in biology, 108 in physics, 108 in science, and 108 in chemistry. This competition aims to select winners to represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in international science Olympiads, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to a strong presence in global scientific forums.
Broad representation of various regions of the Kingdom
The “Nasmo” Olympiad was distinguished by its broad geographical reach, with students from across the Kingdom representing the national teams. The education departments of Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province led the way with 96 students each. They were followed by Madinah with 64 participants, and then Asir, Al-Ahsa, Makkah, Qassim, Taif, and Jazan with 48 participants each. Additionally, 32 students each participated from Najran, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Al-Baha, and the Northern Borders region, along with 16 participants each from the Royal Commission in Jubail and Yanbu.
To ensure the competitions proceeded with the highest degree of professionalism, 18 coordinators, 25 members of the scientific teams tasked with preparing the materials and tests, 28 supervisors for direct supervision, and 90 team leaders from the nominated trainers from the education departments contributed to supporting the teams.
The Journey to Excellence: From 99,000 Participants to the Elite
Reaching the finals of the National Science and Mathematics Olympiad, "Nasmo," was no easy feat. These students qualified from among 9,945 students who took the third-stage exams. It's worth noting that the first stage of the Olympiad set a record with the participation of 99,179 students representing 8,356 schools across 47 cities and governorates, supervised by approximately 800 teachers. This clearly reflects the broad base of participation and the high level of scientific ambition among the rising generations in Saudi Arabia.
Strategic context and impact of the event (Vision 2030)
The Nesmo Olympiad is the first and largest annual national competition specializing in science and mathematics, targeting students from the first year of middle school through the first year of high school. This initiative aligns closely with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Human Capability Development Program, which aims to cultivate globally competitive citizens. By localizing training in Olympiad sciences and enriching curricula with problems that develop higher-order thinking skills, the Ministry of Education and Mawhiba contribute to building a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
Historically, the Mawhiba Foundation has played a leading role in nurturing gifted individuals, with the Kingdom participating annually in approximately 30 international and regional Olympiads, involving more than 120 countries. This comprehensive training program has an impact not only locally but also regionally and internationally, enhancing the Kingdom's standing as a rising scientific power and ensuring that students are scientifically and methodologically prepared to raise the Saudi flag high on global podiums.
