Royal Commission for AlUla launches languages institute

The diversity of languages offered at the institute reflects the RCU’s plan to welcome tourists from all corners of the globe. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 November 2021
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Royal Commission for AlUla launches languages institute

  • Communication skills of the city’s youngsters to be developed

JEDDAH: Residents of AlUla will welcome tourists from all over the world in Arabic and Chinese, English, French, and Nabatean, the language of the people who lived in the city thousands of years ago.

The Royal Commission for AlUla inaugurated the AlUla Languages Institute on Tuesday, and aims to develop the communication skills of the city’s young people. The institute is part of other programs that the RCU offers to AlUla citizens and is also part of the historical city’s sustainable development strategy.

The institute, a center for learning and cultural exchange, will offer courses in Arabic, English, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Nabatean, which was spoken in the first centuries of settlement in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, an area rich with historical references and Nabatean inscriptions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The institute will provide opportunities for its members to effectively communicate with visitors and share AlUla’s legacy.

• It will offer Arabic language courses to visitors and residents to discover more about Saudi culture and the ancient civilizations.

• Students can choose between a general course program, ten hours per week for $58.4, or an intensive course of 32 hours a week priced at SR450.

• In line with the Saudi plan to further the teaching of the Chinese language, the institute launched a unique language program to teach Chinese to all residents of AlUla. 

The 19-classroom institute seeks to enhance the linguistic ability of the citizens of AlUla.

The institute will provide opportunities for its members to effectively communicate with visitors and share AlUla’s legacy.

It will offer Arabic language courses to visitors and residents to discover more about Saudi culture and the ancient civilizations. Students can choose between a general course program, ten hours per week for SR219 ($58.4), or an intensive course of 32 hours a week priced at SR450.

In line with the Saudi plan to further the teaching of the Chinese language, the institute launched a unique language program to teach Chinese to all residents of AlUla.

A 10-hour Chinese course can cost up to SR219 per week, while an applicant can register for Nabatean courses that run between two or six hours a week for SR50 or SR150.

The diversity of languages offered at the institute reflects the RCU’s plan to welcome tourists from all corners of the globe and enable students to master the language skills necessary for communication, contributing effectively to developing AlUla and enhancing global cultural communication.

RCU Gov. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan said that language is the main bridge for communication and knowledge. “The languages that the institute will provide will be essential to tell the story of AlUla in the most important international languages.”

He added: “Children of the homeland in AlUla are main partners in realizing its vision, and AlUla Languages Institute will provide them with an important opportunity to develop their skills to speak and interact with visitors and tourists, so as to be able to narrate the historical story of AlUla through a new chapter for the biggest living museum in the world.”

On Twitter, Prince Badr said that the new institute would begin teaching “Arabic, Nabatean, English, French, and Chinese” to reinforce AlUla’s historic role as a meeting point for civilizations and as one of the most important cultural destinations in the world.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, General Director of Alliance Française d’Arabie Saoudite Marguerite Bickel expressed her joy at announcing the official opening of the fifth branch of AFAS within the AlUla Languages Institute.

The British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton said that he was delighted to attend the institute’s opening in AlUla. In a tweet, he added: “Teaching English, French, Mandarin, Arabic and Nabatean, the institute will help create local jobs and improve the experience for tourists coming to see the beautiful sites in AlUla.”

The institute will support the RCU’s AlUla Scholarship Program, preparing candidates to join the world’s most prestigious universities and educational institutes.

Commenting on the institute’s inauguration, the commission’s CEO Amr bin Saleh Al-Madani said that language is the basis for opportunities and effective interaction with visitors, which is an essential journey for the development of the place that suits AlUla’s history in welcoming the world to the cradle of civilizations.

A Jeddah-based English language instructor, Saleh Al-Ghamdi, told Arab News that he expects AlUla to attract millions of tourists annually.

“With the institute offering Arabic classes, non-Arabic-speaking tourists will find a chance to learn more about the Arabic culture through the language. Tourists are not only interested in exploring new places, but also new languages and cultures,” he said.

 


Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Updated 14 November 2024
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Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

  • The organization, which nurtures the talents of gifted students, says event is a ‘global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future’
  • It is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries

RIYADH: Mawhiba, an organization that works to nurture the talents of gifted students in scientific fields, will hold its third international conference this month with the theme “Beyond Creative Minds.”

Its Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity will take place from Nov. 24 to 26 at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh. Khalid Al-Sharif, the organization’s acting secretary-general, described the event as a “global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future through the exchange of ideas and expertise.”

He told the Saudi Press Agency: “The event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting and empowering talent and promoting a culture of innovation to address future global challenges.”

The conference is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries, many of whom will give keynote speeches, take part in panel discussions and lead workshops.

Al-Sharif said the event will include a “‘creathon’ aimed at finding creative solutions to contemporary challenges. Attendees will also have access to exhibitions and various cultural visits scheduled alongside the conference.”

He added that Mawhiba, more formally known as the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, will continue to develop talent, support creativity and provide resources to nurture the potential of gifted individuals. He thanked Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan for the substantial support he provides for the biennial conference.


Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

  • Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Rachida Dati discussed cultural exchanges and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, held talks in Paris on Wednesday on cultural cooperation.

They discussed cultural exchanges between their countries and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production.

Riyadh and Paris are looking to strengthen partnerships, nurture talent through training programs for workers in cultural sectors, and exchange expertise, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom’s assistant culture minister, Rakan Al-Touq, also took part in the meeting.


Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Updated 13 November 2024
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Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Albania to the Kingdom Saimir Bala in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko in Dammam on Wednesday.

Prince Saud welcomed the ambassador to the Eastern Province. During the meeting, the two exchanged friendly talks and discussed a number of topics.
 


Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Updated 13 November 2024
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Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

  • The Kingdom and MENA region represent an emerging market for organic food, says organizing official

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf Cooperation Council nations taking significant steps to invest in developing its organic food and beverage sector, which has experienced a growth surge in recent years.

The three-day Biofach Saudi Arabia, which was held alongside Saudi Organic Food Day and concluded on Wednesday, is a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its agricultural future.

Biofach was organized by 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences in collaboration with NurnbergMesse, with support from the Saudi Ministry for Energy, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Organic Farming Association.

Christian Beyer, manager of international events at NurnbergMesse, highlighted the potential of the Middle East and North Africa region: “The MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, represents an emerging market for organic food that was estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022 and can expect ongoing growth.”

Recognizing the importance of organic farming for food security and environmental sustainability, Saudi authorities are focusing on enhancing rural production and improving supply chains to ensure organic products reach consumers efficiently.

The exhibition’s knowledge-exchange platform addressed local challenges, including effective water and fertilizer management, which are crucial for the region’s arid climate.

Among the exhibitors was the Saudi company Aamal Al-Andalus, which provides organic fertilizers to address soil degradation and declining fertility. Their products are said to help treat and reduce environmental stress, increase agricultural production, and improve the quality of crops to enhance export opportunities.

Youssif Abdulqader, sales manager and engineer at Aamal Al-Andalus, told Arab News: “Food around the world is increasingly going organic, particularly when all inputs in the plants come from organic and safe sources.”

He noted that this shift is largely driven by the health issues linked to consuming fruits and vegetables produced through conventional farming methods, which are often less beneficial or even harmful to human well-being.

Abdulqader explained: “Conventional farming practices are generally well-structured and effective; however, they face challenges such as the excessive use of pesticides and their persistence in the soil.”

Farmers often encounter bacterial issues within their crops that need to be addressed cost-effectively to maximize profitability.

“This is where organic alternatives can be prohibitively expensive, prompting conventional farmers to seek cheaper, often internationally banned options,” he added.

He added that the use of pesticides results in chemical residues that can remain in the plant’s environment.

These residues pose significant health risks when consumers ingest vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

“There is a concern that these chemicals may contain heavy metals that the human body cannot process, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney failure, and liver diseases, which are frequently associated with traditional farming practices,” he explained.


Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Updated 13 November 2024
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Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

  • More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views

RIYADH: The imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, took part in a peace conference themed “Islam is the Religion of Humanity and Peace” during his recent visit to India

More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

As guest of honor, Al-Baijan delivered a speech in which he said that Islam was a religion of security and peace. He warned against divisions among Muslims and said that such discord threatened national unity, led to chaos and could incite wars.

Minister for Wakf and Haj in the government of Kerala Shri. V. Abdurahiman also spoke at the event, praising Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting Islam, peace and moderation.

Al-Baijan also joined the 35th All India Ahle Hadith Conference in New Delhi, where he commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by its leadership, to promote security, peace, stability and the safeguarding of human dignity globally.