With participation from more than 7,600 students across 13 regions of the Kingdom, 241 finalists recognized in the closing stage 

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has concluded the final round of the KAUST Mathematics Competition (KMC), organized by KAUST Academy in collaboration with the National STEM Talent Network, in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The competition saw the participation of more than 7,640 students representing 13 educational regions and 59 nationalities from across the Kingdom, as part of a national initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing mathematical talent among students at early stages of their academic journey. 

The final round, held at the University from April 3 to 5, brought together 241 students from Grades 8 to 11, who qualified through multiple selection rounds conducted across several cities in Saudi Arabia. Participants undertook advanced scientific assessments in algebra, geometry, combinatorics, and number theory, reflecting a high level of analytical thinking, mathematical capability, and problem-solving skills among the students. 

During the closing ceremony, students were honored with gold, silver, and bronze medals across the junior and senior categories, in recognition of their academic excellence and outstanding performance at the national level—highlighting the strength of educational outcomes in mathematics and foundational sciences across the Kingdom. 

Top performers in the junior category (gold medals) included: Faisal Mohammed Albarqi, Hassan Jihad Alrijal, Jawad Ahmed Alnasser, Mohammed Salem Alsolami, Ahmed Raed Althubaity, Aoun Mohammed Sajjad, Habib Luqman Hakim, Fares Mohammed Alkanhal, Hussein Abdullah Al Imran, Moammal Siraj Alsehati, Emad Mohammed Almalki, and Abdulrahman Ahmed Norsaed. In the senior category (gold medals), winners included: Rayan Abdulkarim Karim Ali Hassan Alhussain, Talah Faisal Talbah, Mohammed Nasser Alali, Abdulrahman Shawqi Mansour, Yasser Mohammed Habiballah, Mohammed Ali Shaiban, Abdullah Tareq Alamer, Abdulilah Mohammed Alsaggaf, and Bilal Nafea Alhujaili. 

Excellence awards for highest scores by grade level were presented to: Mohammed Salem Ba’atiyah (Grade 8), Emad Mohammed Almalki (Grade 9), Abdulilah Mohammed Alsaggaf (Grade 10), and Mohammed Ali Shaiban (Grade 11). 

Dr. Sultan Albarakati, Associate Vice President for Saudi Talent Development at KAUST, stated that the competition represents a distinctive initiative that contributes to identifying promising scientific capabilities among students at an early age, developing their mathematical thinking skills, and strengthening their connection to advanced academic pathways. He noted that such initiatives support the preparation of a generation of qualified national talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, in line with national development needs and enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. 

He added that KAUST, through its specialized programs for nurturing national talent, is committed to providing a stimulating scientific environment that supports outstanding students, enabling them to further develop their research and academic capabilities and engage in advanced educational pathways that open future opportunities in STEM fields. 

A number of KAUST faculty members and researchers contributed to the development of the competition questions in line with advanced academic standards, in addition to delivering accompanying enrichment programs that included workshops and applied academic sessions. These activities provided students with exposure to advanced mathematical thinking and introduced them to the University’s research environments, strengthening their early engagement with specialized scientific fields. 

The competition also provided participants with opportunities to join advanced academic programs within KAUST’s pre-university initiatives, in addition to distinguished international learning opportunities. These include qualification for training programs leading to participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad in 2028, as well as specialized training pathways such as the Cambridge Summer Mathematics Camp—supporting students’ readiness to compete in global scientific arenas. 

This competition forms part of KAUST’s broader ecosystem of initiatives aimed at supporting the development of national scientific capabilities, strengthening talent discovery and nurturing pathways in STEM fields, and contributing to the preparation of a generation of qualified young talent capable of supporting a knowledge-based economy. These efforts align with national priorities for human capital development and the advancement of innovation, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.