Saudi Arabia Clinches Three Bronze Medals at the 2025 Mendeleev International Chemistry Olympiad

Saudi Chemistry Team Triumphs at the 59th International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad

The Saudi Arabian chemistry team has achieved remarkable success at the 59th International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad (IMChO 2025), which is currently taking place in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from May 5 to May 13. In an event that brings together some of the brightest young minds in chemistry from around the globe, the Saudi participants secured three bronze medals.

The talented recipients of these accolades include Ammar Mohammed Al-Turkistani from the Jeddah Education Department, Haidar Yasser Al-Dubaisi from the Eastern Region Education Department, and Rind Al-Hassan Awda from the Riyadh Education Department. Their exceptional performance stood out among a competitive field of 192 students representing 40 countries.

With this recent achievement, Saudi Arabia has enhanced its total medal count at the Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad to an impressive 26 international awards. These consist of three silver medals and 23 bronze medals since the kingdom first participated in this esteemed competition, which is known for its challenging nature and high standard of questions. The Mendeleev Olympiad is widely recognized as one of the most rigorous chemistry competitions in the world.

Established in 1967, the Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad honors the legacy of the renowned Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, who is celebrated for creating the first version of the periodic table of elements. This prestigious event takes place annually in different countries, with Russian as the primary language of communication.

Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Olympiad is part of its broader initiative to promote international competitions under the "Talented" program, a collaborative effort between the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education. This strategic partnership emphasizes the country’s commitment to fostering excellence in science and education.

The participants underwent extensive preparation, dedicating thousands of hours to rigorous training. Their hard work and perseverance reflect not only their individual dedication but also the supportive educational framework established by the Saudi authorities to cultivate talent in the scientific fields.

Overall, the Saudi team’s success at the Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad not only showcases the capabilities of young Saudi scientists but also highlights the nation’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in science and technology. The recognition garnered at this prestigious international event stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work invested in preparing these students, underscoring the importance of continued support for educational initiatives that foster excellence and innovation.