Saudi Arabia Hosts Nuclear Science Olympiad with Majority Muslim Participants

Saudi Arabia recently hosted the third International Nuclear Science Olympiad in Jeddah, marking the first time the event took place in the Middle East. The competition gathered 120 students and scientific experts from 19 countries, including 12 Muslim-majority nations such as Jordan and Syria, both neighbors of Israel. The event covered topics like nuclear physics, radiation protection, peaceful uses of radiation, and practical training in nuclear measurements and experiments.

The Olympiad was officially approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2024. According to the IAEA, the competition aims to promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies, encourage young people to pursue nuclear science studies, and support innovation in nuclear applications. The participating countries also included Turkey and Pakistan, which are part of Saudi Arabia's new security alliance.

This event follows Saudi Arabia's recent approval to build a nuclear reactor, raising regional attention. The full list of participating countries was Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, and Turkey. The Olympiad involved a rigorous five-hour practical examination for high school students, highlighting the growing interest and investment in nuclear science education in the region.