In a move that reinforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a global authority on the Arabic language, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, represented by the Endowment for the Language of the Holy Quran, and in strategic partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language , launched the second edition of its specialized program, "Training Arabic Experts in the World." The launch took place in the presence of the University President, Dr. Tarif Al-A'ma, and the Head of the Educational Programs Sector at the Academy, Professor Dr. Saad Al-Qahtani, in the University Council Hall.
A strategic context for serving the Arabic language
This program comes within the framework of the significant cultural and linguistic movement underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, which places great importance on strengthening Arab and Islamic identity. The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, a partner in this program, is one of the most important modern pillars established by the Saudi leadership to serve and promote the Arabic language globally, protect its achievements, and unify efforts to enhance its standing in international forums.
This partnership between prestigious academic institutions such as King Abdulaziz University and specialized institutions such as the King Salman Complex reflects a model of institutional integration aimed at bridging the gap in the field of teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, and providing qualified personnel according to the latest international standards.
Program details and broad international participation
The current iteration of the program boasts broad international participation, with 24 specialists and experts representing 18 countries from across the globe. The intensive four-week program includes a rich array of educational and training activities, including:
- 80 training hours: focusing on the skill-based and technical aspects of language teaching.
- 60 enrichment hours: aimed at deepening the cultural and civilizational understanding of the participants.
- Scientific lectures and intensive practical training.
- Field visits and “peer assessment” sessions to exchange experiences.
Importance and expected impact
The “Training Arabic Experts” program gains its importance from the increasing global interest in learning Arabic, as a vital language and a means of cultural, economic, and political communication. The program primarily aims to develop skills in teaching Arabic as a second language, a specialized field requiring tools and knowledge distinct from teaching it to native speakers. Graduates of this program are expected to contribute to transferring their acquired expertise to their home countries, thus establishing an effective international network of cooperation that will enhance the quality of Arabic education globally.
Empowering competencies and developing standards
For his part, the Executive Director of the Endowment for the Language of the Holy Quran at the university, Professor Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sulami, explained that the program is the first of its kind to target experienced Arabic language teachers, not beginners, thus raising the bar for expectations and outcomes. He emphasized that the program embodies the university's commitment to its global mission and contributes to developing educational curricula and assessment methods in accordance with the modern standards that the King Salman Complex is working to establish.
