JEDDAH: A Saudi team is participating in the International Chemistry Olympiad, which is being held in Switzerland from July 16-25.
The team is participating with the support of the Saudi Education Ministry and the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as Mawhiba.
On Sunday, the team embarked on its journey with the aim of achieving success and recognition while representing the Kingdom on a global platform.
Saudi Arabia has accumulated a commendable track record in previous editions of the Olympiad, securing 10 silver medals, 25 bronze medals and two certificates of appreciation.
This year, the Saudi team’s participation is also intended to familiarize members with the organizational aspects of the event in preparation for hosting it next year.
Following the Olympiad’s conclusion, the Kingdom will receive the flag symbolizing its role as host of the 56th edition, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from July 22 to Aug. 1, 2024.
Badr Al-Majrathi, manager of the Competitions Department at Mawhiba, said the Saudi team went through a rigorous journey of training and qualification through forums and camps.
These activities were conducted under the guidance of a team of Saudi and international coaches, with the aim of competing for top positions and securing prizes at the competition. A recent training camp took place in Budapest, Hungary.
The Olympiad is an annual competition for high school students that occurs at the end of the academic year and spans 10 days.
It consists of two exams — one theoretical and one practical — each lasting five hours. The host country is responsible for organizing and preparing the questions.
Each participating country forms a team of up to four students, with participants being under the age of 20 and not yet enrolled in university.
The Olympiad’s primary goals are to foster communication and collaboration among students, and facilitate the exchange of educational and scientific experiences between nations.
The concept originated in Czechoslovakia in 1968, when chemistry Olympiads were integrated into the secondary education system across Soviet bloc countries. Initially, only countries from the bloc were invited to participate.
Saudi students compete in prestigious chemistry Olympiad
https://arab.news/493gu
Saudi students compete in prestigious chemistry Olympiad
- The team is participating with the support of the Saudi Education Ministry and Mawhiba
KSrelief provides critical relief to displaced, flood-stricken communities
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency, KSrelief, has continued its humanitarian projects in Syria, Yemen, Sudan and Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
In Syria, the agency distributed 349 food parcels to displaced people in Daraa, while in Sudan it delivered 830 parcels to residents of Karari.
In Pakistan, KSrelief distributed 2,680 food parcels to communities affected by flooding, benefiting more than 16,000 people.
Meanwhile in Yemen, the agency continued its water supply and sanitation project in Hodeidah, pumping 1.5 million liters of water into the community. It also carried out 49 waste removal operations in camps for displaced people, benefiting 16,170 individuals.
Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children
- Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200
RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphan Care, Ensan, will provide bags this year for 16,007 students at 22 schools in the Riyadh governorate.
Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The money for the bags and stationary needs will be deposited into the bank accounts of parents and guardians.
Ensan has other projects to help children including providing tutors, and transport to and from school. The organization also assists in getting young people scholarships, and admission to universities, colleges and specialized institutes.
Ensan has called on the public to assist with funding for their projects via the platform https://ensan.sa/ar/shop/170.
Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored
- Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi presented with the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work
RIYADH: Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and president of the Saudi Media Forum, was recently honored with the 2025 Gratitude Award for Inspiring Leaders.
Presented by the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work, the award celebrates those whose vision and dedication have had a profound impact on their communities.
Commenting on the honor, Al-Harthi stated: “Giving is an intrinsic part of the Saudi identity, deeply rooted in a generous homeland and inspiring leadership.
“I am one of this nation’s people striving to serve it with all we have. We will continue to work tirelessly for as long as we live because our country deserves nothing less.
“Each of us has unique tools within our fields that must be dedicated to serving the nation, society, and humanity.”
Al-Harthi has built a distinguished career across print, broadcast, and digital media, earning both regional and international awards in recognition of his creativity and achievements in the media landscape.
He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives and launched major media projects, held leadership roles in prominent local and global media organizations, and contributed to organizing events and festivals that have significantly elevated the status of Saudi media both regionally and internationally.
The award underscores Al-Harthi’s dedication to serving society and inspiring a new generation of media professionals.
Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed ties between Riyadh and Seoul during a phone call with South Korea’s President Lee Jae-Myung on Wednesday.
During the call, they discussed “opportunities for cooperation in several fields” to achieve common interests and strengthen ties between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi ‘Art Bridges’ 4-nation project opens for applications
- Cultural program of the Kingdom’s Visual Arts Commission
- Scotland, Japan, South Korea, Spain are the nations hosting
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Visual Arts Commission has launched its “Art Bridges” initiative for 2025–2026, a series of international programs designed to promote cultural exchange.
The programs will be hosted in Scotland, Japan, South Korea and Spain.
The first in Scotland will be held from Sept. 22 to 27, in partnership with the British Council Scotland.
Japan will host an event from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, followed by South Korea from Nov. 19 to 27, and Spain from March 2 to 9, 2026.
Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, said in a statement that the initiative offers a unique opportunity for cultural practitioners to share their creative voices with the world.
Each edition of “Art Bridges” will be tailored to the host destination.
There will be meetings with thought leaders, visits to major cultural institutions, museums, galleries and artist studios, as well as workshops, knowledge-exchange sessions, and discussions with prominent local art figures.
The 2025–2026 programs will explore specific themes, with Japan focusing on art and the environment by examining how artists interact with natural, urban and traditional settings.
South Korea’s program will address identity through art and society by studying community cultural movements, independent artist spaces and collaborative platforms.
In Spain, the program will highlight heritage and collaborative practice by showcasing the intersection of shared artistic expression, and social purpose in cultural spaces.
The application window for those wishing to participate opens on Aug. 13. The deadline for Japan is Aug. 21, while South Korea and Spain close on Aug. 31.
Applicants must be over 21, have at least five years of professional experience, submit a strong portfolio, be fluent in English and commit to the full program schedule.
The commission stated that “Art Bridges” forms a cornerstone of its strategy to expand Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence globally, build sustainable creative ecosystems, and forge long-term international partnerships.
