In Dhahran: The Kingdom Opens the Asian Physics Olympiad with 240 Students from 30 Countries

Dhahran, 8 Dhul Qadah 1446 AH / May 6, 2025

The 25th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO 2025) opened yesterday at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, with the participation of 240 male and female students representing 30 countries and more than 100 international experts and specialists, under the theme "Together We Generate the Energy of the Future," in effective partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Mawhiba Foundation, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and with diamond sponsorship from Saudi Aramco.

This prestigious scientific event serves as a global platform for spotlighting youth intelligence and innovation in physics, marking the first time the Kingdom has hosted the event in the Middle East, an achievement that reflects its growing scientific standing and leadership in supporting the knowledge economy and empowering young minds.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of local and international education and science leaders, led by Mawhiba secretary-general Dr. Khalid Al-Shareef, Ministry of Education undersecretary Dr. Hassan Kharmy, and officials from King Fahd University and Aramco, alongside olympiad president Dr. Kwok Leung Chuan. The ceremony featured a visual presentation and heritage segments celebrating the Kingdom's identity.

The program includes intensive theoretical and practical exams for the students, alongside cultural events and educational visits aimed at strengthening knowledge exchange and exploring Saudi Arabia's civilizational heritage. Competitions begin with high-level exams running through May 12, under the supervision of an international committee of leading scientists.

The olympiad extends the Kingdom's long history of supporting talent; it began participating in the Asian Physics Olympiad in 2012 and has since won 16 international medals and awards. This hosting marks the Kingdom's second international olympiad, following its organization of the International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh in July 2024, which saw participation from 90 countries.

These consecutive hostings underscore the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening its global scientific standing and its active role in driving innovation and scientific research in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.