Saudi Arabia begins Chinese-language classes at schools

By gaining Chinese linguistic skills, young Saudi students will improve their chances to find jobs or pursue studies at prestigious Chinese universities. (SPA)
By gaining Chinese linguistic skills, young Saudi students will improve their chances to find jobs or pursue studies at prestigious Chinese universities. (SPA)
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Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia begins Chinese-language classes at schools

Saudi Arabia begins Chinese-language classes at schools
  • Youths to gain enhanced opportunities for higher education and work, says Saudi Education Ministry

RIYADH: Chinese-language instruction has begun at the country’s schools to equip young people with valuable linguistic skills and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the Asian nation’s culture.

The language is being taught to primary and middle school students.

According to reports, 175 educators are teaching Mandarin in Saudi Arabia, aligning with an education agreement signed by the two countries last year.




“Arabic courses are widely available in Chinese universities, and many international secondary schools also have Arabic teachers". (Shutterstock)

The ministry has stated that young Saudi Arabia students will improve their chances to find jobs or pursue studies at prestigious Chinese universities.

Hanan Alharbi, a Saudi mother from Riyadh, said she was “very positive” about the ministry’s decision because it was an “important step toward promoting global culture and providing students with new and useful language skills, especially since the teachers are Chinese.”

The decision is in line with China’s growing importance in the global economy and the thriving trade and economic ties between the two nations.

FASTFACTS

• According to reports, 175 educators are teaching Mandarin in Saudi Arabia, aligning with an education agreement signed by the two countries last year.

• The Saudi Ministry of Education said it selected several schools to pilot the language program before gradually expanding the curriculum to include instruction up to the third secondary grade by the year 2029.

A Chinese mother from Tianjin, Taotao Wang, said: “We see this as a positive development. For us, it means sharing the cultural classics of the Chinese civilization beyond our borders.

“For Saudi Arabia, it helps to remove barriers to effective communication between our two nations. This cultural exchange is about finding beauty in our differences and growing together.”

Alice Xiong, a teacher from Guangdong province in China, told Arab News she saw it as a “win-win” situation.

“Saudi Arabia is an energetic country with a lot of young people. There are more and more Chinese people who do business and travel in Saudi Arabia … teaching the Chinese language in schools will make communication easy and direct for both country’s young people.”

She said Arabic was now being taught in China.

“Arabic courses are widely available in Chinese universities, and many international secondary schools also have Arabic teachers. I hope that cultural and commercial exchanges between the two countries will get better and better,” she said.

The ministry said it selected several schools to pilot the language program before gradually expanding the curriculum to include instruction up to the third secondary grade by the year 2029.

This phased approach will allow the ministry to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and make necessary adjustments.

The Kingdom’s Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan recently highlighted the government’s significant investment in the sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

 


Japan looks forward to strengthening relations with ‘major power’ Saudi Arabia as 70th anniversary nears

Japan looks forward to strengthening relations with ‘major power’ Saudi Arabia as 70th anniversary nears
Updated 20 December 2024
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Japan looks forward to strengthening relations with ‘major power’ Saudi Arabia as 70th anniversary nears

Japan looks forward to strengthening relations with ‘major power’ Saudi Arabia as 70th anniversary nears

DUBAI: Japan Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya told a press conference on Friday that Saudi Arabia is a “major power” in the Middle East and plays a significant role in peace and stability in the region.

“Saudi Arabia is an important country for Japan, especially when it comes to energy and security. The country is an important partner,” he said.

Responding to a question about next year’s 70th anniversary celebrations between the two countries, Iwaya explained that Japan, on a broader and deeper scope, wants to “promote cooperation and understanding” with Saudi Arabia.

Iwaya said that Japan was soliciting public proposals for commemorative events between the two countries. “Between the governments, we are moving forward with certain plans,” he added.

In October, a commemorative logo was released, which features a combination of a palm tree, a symbol of Saudi Arabia, and cherry blossoms, a flower synonymous with Japan.

The foreign minister also spoke about Japanese boxing champion Naoya Inoue’s sponsorship contract with Riyadh Season.

“(The contract) is something that we should be very happy about, we are proud of this super champion. So, we hope that he will be very active and successful in Saudi Arabia as well. We welcome this,” he told the press conference.

Inoue announced the sponsorship deal in November, which is reported to be worth about $20 million. The boxing champion will have the Riyadh Season logo displayed on the branding for his fights.

During the press conference, Iwaya also announced newly designed Japanese passports in 2025 as well as Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s potential meeting with US president-elect Donald Trump.

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan


Diriyah Season 24/25 launches celebration of history, culture and arts

Diriyah Season 24/25 launches celebration of history, culture and arts
Updated 20 December 2024
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Diriyah Season 24/25 launches celebration of history, culture and arts

Diriyah Season 24/25 launches celebration of history, culture and arts
  • Diriyah Season 24/25 will kick off with the Enduring Resilience Exhibition

RIYADH: The Diriyah Company has announced the launch of Diriyah Season 24/25, which begins on Friday, Dec. 20 with a display of Diriyah’s heritage, hospitality, and immersive cultural experiences through various programs.

Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Company, said: “We anticipate welcoming three million visitors to At-Turaif district, the birthplace of the Kingdom, by Founding Day on Feb. 22, 2025.

“We are breaking records in visitor numbers and forming numerous partnerships for ground and tour operations, with new flights already arriving from countries like China. The international presence in Bujairi is evident every night, making it one of the world’s premier gathering spots.”

Under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” Diriyah Season 24/25 will kick off with the Enduring Resilience Exhibition, honoring the legacy of Imam Turki bin Abdullah, who founded the Second Saudi State 200 years ago. The much-anticipated Layali Diriyah returns with innovative experiences, while Minzal invites visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of Diriyah in a winter wonderland.

Guests can engage with the “850” interactive experience, immersing themselves in the narratives of significant historical figures. The Diriyah Storytelling Festival will celebrate literature and promote cultural exchange. Additionally, the Tyn Festival will bring together architects, academics and enthusiasts to celebrate the region’s tradition of mud architecture.

In the historic At-Turaif district and Bujairi Terrace, visitors will embark on a journey filled with cultural and artistic expression. The Souq program combines performing arts with a heritage backdrop enriched by modern elements. Lastly, the Samri Art Activities will offer interactive performances of Samri folk music and dance at various locations in Diriyah throughout the season.


UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh

UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh
Updated 20 December 2024
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UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh

UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh
  • Event witnessed launch of Riyadh Declaration to help strengthen international partnerships in AI
  • Forum featured experts from 170 countries

RIYADH: The UN Internet Governance Forum concluded its 19th edition on Thursday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

The forum’s organizers said that the global event had focused on internet governance policies and emerging digital challenges. It had achieved the highest attendance in the history of the forum, surpassing 11,000 participants.

The forum also witnessed the launch of the Riyadh Declaration, a document which aims at strengthening international partnerships in artificial intelligence and digital technologies to serve humanity.

The event featured experts and specialists in internet technology and policy from 170 countries, with more than 1,000 international speakers contributing to over 300 sessions and workshops, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It revolved around four main topics: innovation and risk in the digital space; development and sustainability; promoting human rights and inclusiveness; and improving the digital governance of the internet, the SPA added.


King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool

King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool
Updated 19 December 2024
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King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool

King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool
  • The 17-day event featured 1,032 falconers from nine countries, 3,322 birds and a total prize pool of $9.6 million

The 2024 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, which featured a prize pool of more than SR36 million ($9.6 million), the largest in the history of the event, concluded on Thursday.

The festival, which began on Dec. 3 and was organized by the The Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, featured 1,032 falconers, of whom 160 came from outside the Kingdom. They represented nine countries — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Italy and Ireland — and brought with them 3,322 birds. A youth section included 49 young falconers.

The festival culminated in two rounds of the King’s Sword, the toughest and most lucrative section of the Melwah competition, with total prize pools of SR925,000 for each round.

Barghash Al-Mansouri, who won the first round in the Shaheen and Hur categories, said his falcon SH13 had performed exceptionally well to clinch first place. He said the bird has great strength but can be affected by adverse wind conditions. On the day, however, conditions were favorable and it was able to maintain stability and perform at its best.

He added that he had expected Shama, a falcon owned by Fahd Al-Mansouri, to take the top spot but instead it finished second. He thanked the club for its exceptional efforts in organizing the festival and congratulated all the winners, noting that the competition grows stronger each year.

Talal Al-Shumaisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their support of falconry and its heritage, in particular Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the club’s general supervisor. He also thanked Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the chairman of the board of directors of the club, for his support.


Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects

Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects
Updated 19 December 2024
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Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects

Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects
  • The exhibition features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom

RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, represented by the College of Design and Arts, has launched the “Itar Exhibition 2024” to feature the graduation projects of 26 students from the film production and animation program.

The exhibition, which is part of the Department of Film and Theater Arts’ graduation project course, features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom.

The exhibition highlights the cognitive, technical, and creative skills developed by the graduates through their film projects, demonstrating their proficiency in applying creative and critical thinking methodologies.

The exhibition provides a platform for interaction and collaboration among graduates, university students, employers, industry professionals, researchers, partners, the business sector, and the broader community. It also prepares graduates to compete in the job market and venture into entrepreneurship.

Haya Al-Rashoud, head of the Department of Film and Theater Arts at PNU, said that the exhibition is part of the College of Design and Arts’ commitment to developing national talent. It aims to foster a supportive and inspiring environment for creativity, expertise, and specialized scientific skills, while aligning with the evolving demands of the labor market, particularly in the film industry.

The “Itar Exhibition 2024” at the College of Design and Arts reflects the objectives of PNU’s 2025 strategic plan, aiming to cultivate competitive talent and empower female students. It creates an educational environment that inspires creativity, enriches cultural and artistic expression, and promotes learning, research, and innovation. 

Additionally, it underscores the university’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in driving development and progress.