JEDDAH: Alliance Francaise, the international institute and cultural center for the French language, on Sunday celebrated the grand opening of its new branch in Hayy Jameel, Jeddah.
The event was attended by various personalities and diplomats and included speeches from French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Patrick Maisonnave, French Consul General Mohammed Nehad, Art Jameel founder Fady Jameel and Alliance Francaise President Zahir Al-Monajed.
“Learning a language, especially in today’s world, demonstrates a genuine curiosity and openness to other cultures. It fosters dialogue, builds understanding and ultimately contributes to a more peaceful global dynamic,” Maisonnave told Arab News.
“Through centers like Alliance Francaise, we can create partnerships beyond language such as in business, art and beyond to show the world that the French language is both accessible and enriching.”
Maisonnave said Alliance Francaise now operated in more than 150 countries and that its goal was to foster interest in the French language as a cultural bridge to connect societies.
Jameel said: “We are delighted that Alliance Francaise is joining Hayy Jameel to make a significant contribution to the cultural community here. In recent years, we have witnessed and proudly supported the growth of Saudi-French cultural ties.
“Our French partners have been instrumental in enhancing the Saudi art scene in the Kingdom and we look forward to further developing this relationship.”
Nehad said: “We chose Hayy Jameel as our new home because it’s a vibrant and cultural hub, which makes it an ideal place to reach more Saudi students and expand our activities.
“Our mission here in Jeddah is, first and foremost, to teach French to both Saudi and international students and to foster a creative atmosphere with activities in art, cinema and drawing.”
He described Alliance Francaise as “our cultural partner” and said several new initiatives were being considered, including a 48-hour film challenge and collaborative digital art projects.
“As the cooler season approaches, we view this as an ideal opportunity to roll out a variety of creative activities, from cinema and music to collaborations with French artists in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Larry Lamartiniere, managing director of the Jeddah branch of Alliance Francaise said: “This is not just a language center, we aim to ensure that culture plays a significant role in our promotion of the French language. Relocating to Hayy Jameel was an ideal decision.”
The new location would allow the organization to screen French films at the independent Hayy Cinema and engage in art and culinary collaborations, he said.
Lamartiniere also noted the center’s close ties with the French Embassy and Consulate.
“Every cultural initiative organized by the officials includes Alliance Francaise as a partner,” he said.
The center currently has about 80 students per session and offers classes for various ages and proficiency levels, as well as weekly cultural workshops, storytelling and craft projects for children.
Lamartiniere said that a new session of classes would start later this month covering language, digital art, music and painting.
“Now that many people are fluent in English, they’re turning their curiosity to other languages. French remains one of the top languages globally and many Saudis want to learn it before traveling to France,” he said.
