Saudi Informatics Team Wins Four at Balkan Olympiad

Saudi Arabia's Informatics Team claimed four awards at the 2026 Balkan Olympiad in Informatics, held in Tirana, the capital of Albania. The haul included one silver medal, two bronze medals, and one certificate of appreciation.

Student Saad Bandar Al-Arifi won the silver medal, marking the Kingdom's first-ever silver at this Olympiad. Fares Yasser Al-Raddadi and Mohammed Abdulrahman Bashkiel each secured a bronze medal, while Hashem Ibrahim Basyouni received a certificate of appreciation for his performance.

With these results, Saudi Arabia's overall record at the event rose to 17 awards across four participations, reflecting steady progress in the Kingdom's presence at international science and computing competitions.

Why it matters

The Balkan Olympiad in Informatics is one of the leading regional contests that challenge young students in algorithms, problem-solving, and computer programming. Reaching a first silver medal underlines the growing depth of technical talent among Saudi youth.

The achievement supports wider national efforts to nurture skills in technology and innovation, opening doors for students to pursue careers in software, data, and emerging digital fields. For families and the wider community, it is a reminder that investment in early talent is paying off on the international stage.

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