Dhahran: Under the patronage and attendance of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, the 25th Asian Physics Olympiad concluded at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran. The event was hosted by the Kingdom from May 4 to 12, featuring 240 male and female students from 30 countries, supervised by 110 international physics specialists, under the slogan "Together, We Generate the Energy of the Future."
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, His Highness was welcomed at the closing ceremony organized by the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), with diamond sponsorship from Saudi Aramco. The Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef Al-Benyan, the President of the University, Dr. Mohammed Al-Saqqaf, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mawhiba, Suleiman Al-Zaben, the Acting Secretary General of Mawhiba, Dr. Khalid Al-Sharif, and the Vice President of Government Relations and Coordination in the Central Region at Saudi Aramco, Mohammed Al-Khalidi, were present to greet him.
Dr. Khaled Al-Sharif, Acting Secretary General of Mawhiba, delivered a speech on behalf of the host country, expressing gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their continuous support in enhancing the leadership of Saudi Arabia. He also appreciated the patronage, attendance, and honor of His Highness the Emir at the closing ceremony.
Throughout the Olympiad, students undertook two main exams, translated into 30 models in 16 languages, comprising a practical laboratory exam and a written theoretical exam, in a competitive environment. The event also included a cultural and entertainment program for students and supervisors, featuring field trips to industrial facilities and heritage and tourist sites to introduce them to Saudi culture.
The organization of the event, held for the first time in the Middle East, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to supporting youth and developing scientific talent. This commitment aligns with its leadership in the energy sector and its approach to investing in people and supporting young minds, establishing itself as an international destination in scientific fields.
The Asian Physics Olympiad, first launched in 1999 in Indonesia with 12 participating countries, has expanded to include 30 countries. It is recognized as a prominent annual international science competition targeting talented high school students in physics.