In a move reflecting the cultural openness taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the College of Languages, represented by the Translation Department at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University , launched the “Saudi Francophone Meeting” on Monday, December 1, 2025. This important event was held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Professor Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, and witnessed a remarkable turnout at the university's conference and seminar center.
Background and context of the meeting: Strengthening Saudi-Francophone relations
This meeting comes within the context of growing relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Francophone world. The Kingdom, which has held observer status in the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) since 2016, continuously seeks to strengthen cultural and economic ties with French-speaking countries. This approach aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which focuses on economic diversification, enhancing the Kingdom's soft power, and building a vibrant society open to diverse global cultures. Foreign language education, including French, is a cornerstone of achieving these goals, opening new horizons for young Saudis in vital sectors such as tourism, business, and diplomacy.
Goals and vision of the meeting
The meeting, held under the theme “Promoting Intercultural Dialogue,” aimed to highlight the rich cultural diversity represented by the Francophonie and to showcase the role of the French language as an effective tool for global communication. The event sought to demonstrate how language can serve as a bridge supporting education, culture, and business in the Kingdom, as well as promoting linguistic diversity within Saudi universities. The meeting brought together a distinguished group of Saudi and Francophone academics and experts from various sectors, along with those interested in the French language and university staff.
In her opening remarks, the Acting President of the University, Dr. Fawzia bint Sulaiman Al-Amro, affirmed that “the Saudi-Francophone Meeting is an intellectual exchange between language, culture, and the future.” She added that Princess Nourah University, as the largest women’s university in the world, continues its national role in preparing qualified women capable of “translating the nation to the world in the language of the future,” noting that multilingualism represents a competitive advantage in the age of the knowledge economy.
Diverse activities for a rich cultural exchange
The program included a rich array of events, featuring six panel discussions on key topics such as “Supporting Multilingual Public Education” and “The French Language in the Saudi Business Sector.” Three specialized workshops were also held, including one on the art of translating films and another on speaking French confidently while traveling. To further enrich the cultural experience, the event included video presentations, readings of Saudi and Francophone poetry, and a visual arts exhibition, providing a truly interactive platform for exchanging experiences and showcasing shared values.
Importance and expected impact
The Saudi Francophone Encounter is more than just an academic event; it is a strategic platform serving national and international objectives. Locally, it enhances students' language skills and opens new career opportunities for them. Internationally, it strengthens the Kingdom's image as a center for cultural dialogue and openness, and supports its diplomatic and economic relations with Francophone countries, underscoring Princess Nourah University's role in achieving a significant international presence for Saudi women.
