SABIC was the exclusive sponsor of the 2024 International Chemistry Olympiad, marking the first time Saudi Arabia hosted the event and making it the first Arab country to do so. The 56th Olympiad, managed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and King Saud University, concluded on July 29 at King Saud University in Riyadh. The closing ceremony was graced by Yousef Al-Benyan, Minister of Education, alongside Dr. Amal Al-Hazza, Secretary General of Mawhiba, and various officials from both government and private sectors.
Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, SABIC CEO, emphasized that the visionary leadership of Saudi Arabia has empowered SABIC to enhance its contributions to the Kingdom’s prominence in chemical manufacturing, research, and technology. He noted, “Through this partnership, SABIC aims to showcase the Kingdom’s strong capabilities in organizing prestigious international competitions and highlight its significant role in fostering talent in the field of chemistry. It also aims to underscore the importance of chemistry in societal growth and national development, while benefiting from international talents and expertise in the field.”
SABIC has a history of supporting students with a passion for innovation in chemistry and other sciences. The company uses its extensive resources to unlock the potential of young people, helping them achieve excellence in international forums and demonstrate their competitive edge in science and innovation.
Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan honored SABIC for its exclusive sponsorship of the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad, recognizing its efforts and contributions in research and development. Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of SABIC, received the honoring trophy and, along with the Minister of Education, presented gold medals to the winning students. The Olympiad aims to empower talented students in the fields of innovation and science.
During the event, SABIC hosted participating students at the SABIC Plastics Applications Development Center (SPADC) in Riyadh. This visit aimed to brief students on SABIC’s contributions and ongoing efforts in research and development to find new solutions in the chemical industry to meet customer needs and adapt to changing market requirements.
The International Chemistry Olympiad, the largest annual chemistry competition for students, was first held in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1968. Since then, the 10-day event has been hosted annually by different countries, with four students representing each nation. Thanks to the dedication of numerous advocates and the support of UNESCO, the number of participating countries reached about 90 in 2024.
