In a remarkable display of talent, the Saudi national artificial intelligence team clinched six prestigious awards at the inaugural Asia-Pacific Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (APOAI) 2026, which was conducted virtually by China. This event marked Saudi Arabia's debut in this emerging international competition, featuring participation from 129 students across 18 countries. The Kingdom's impressive haul included one gold medal, three silver medals, and two certificates of appreciation, showcasing the potential of Saudi students in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Qusai Emad Jadallah from the Jeddah Education Department stood out by securing the gold medal, while silver medals were awarded to Laith Suwaid Al-Zahrani from Riyadh Education, Yousef Farid Al-Khalawi from Jeddah Education, and Ali Ayman Al-Khabbaz from Eastern Region Education. Additionally, Raed Hassan Tayeb and Hamad Mohammed Al-Kalbani, both from the Eastern Region and Riyadh Education respectively, received certificates of appreciation for their commendable performances.
The participation of the Saudi team was facilitated by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and KAUST Academy. This initiative underscores the Kingdom's commitment to nurturing young talent in advanced technological fields, particularly in artificial intelligence and future technologies. The achievements at the Olympiad reflect a growing emphasis on innovation and education in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the nation's strategic vision for economic diversification and technological advancement.
Qusai Emad Jadallah from the Jeddah Education Department stood out by securing the gold medal, while silver medals were awarded to Laith Suwaid Al-Zahrani from Riyadh Education, Yousef Farid Al-Khalawi from Jeddah Education, and Ali Ayman Al-Khabbaz from Eastern Region Education. Additionally, Raed Hassan Tayeb and Hamad Mohammed Al-Kalbani, both from the Eastern Region and Riyadh Education respectively, received certificates of appreciation for their commendable performances.
The participation of the Saudi team was facilitated by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and KAUST Academy. This initiative underscores the Kingdom's commitment to nurturing young talent in advanced technological fields, particularly in artificial intelligence and future technologies. The achievements at the Olympiad reflect a growing emphasis on innovation and education in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the nation's strategic vision for economic diversification and technological advancement.
Source: Saudi Gazette
