RIYADH: Hundreds of non-native speakers have been tested on their Arabic language skills in Saudi Arabia’s new standardized language test this week, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

A total of 315 candidates from 22 countries took the Hamza Arabic Language Test in person, which was conducted by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, in collaboration with seven Saudi universities.

The test is a computerized, codified test which measures the Arabic language proficiency of non-native speakers. It was first introduced in December 2023 and designed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Seven tests have been administered since its introduction to evaluate the language skills of 1,979 people in Saudi Arabia, China, Indonesia, and India.

The test is part of KSGAAL’s endeavors to raise the status of the Arabic language locally, regionally, and internationally, according to Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, the secretary-general of the KSGAAL.

Dr. Saad Al-Qahtani, head of the Educational Programs Sector at KSGAAL, told Arab News: “The increasing demand for learning Arabic for various educational, vocational, and cultural objectives has prompted the need to design a unified global test measuring the Arabic language proficiency that helps enroll in educational programs or meets the needs of the labor market.

“Since mastering language skills is a prerequisite for employment, KSGAAL seeks to enhance cooperation with the entities concerned with teaching the Arabic language to non-native speakers.”

The Hamza academic test is designed in accordance with the highest global standards, with a view to consolidating efforts and developing practices in teaching the Arabic language to non-native speakers, Al-Qahtani added, while also hoping that the test would become a reference for measuring the level of the Arabic language proficiency of non-native speakers locally, regionally, and internationally.

The universities participating were: Umm Al-Qura University, Islamic University of Madinah, King Abdulaziz University, King Faisal University, Taif University, Qassim University, and Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University.

RIYADH: A group of Saudi students have developed an award-winning device that can be attached to household taps to conserve water.

Team Magic AI, from King Faisal University, King Khalid University and King Saud University, took first place and a SR20,000 ($5,330) cash prize in the inaugural TCS Sustainathon competition with their device.

The competition, organized by Tata Consultancy Services, challenged students to develop sustainable solutions for urban environments.

The winning device monitors consumption and detects leaks, allowing users to reduce the amount of water they waste in their homes.

Abdulrahman Al-Hassan, one of the winning students from King Saud University, said: “Our goal was to make water conservation achievable for everyone.

“The TCS Sustainathon provided a platform to collaborate and bring our idea to life. We’re excited to see how this solution can evolve and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

The competition drew over 300 participants and more than 65 submissions, with the top 12 teams presenting their ideas to a panel of judges at the King Khalid Foundation headquarters in Riyadh.

The event was held in the presence of Princess Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah, CEO of the KKF.

As well as the cash prize, Team Magic AI won an internship at TCS, where they will have access to the resources they need to develop their product.

The second- and third-place teams won SR15,000 and SR10,000 respectively, while all of the other finalists received SR5,000 and gift vouchers in recognition of their contributions.

The competition, which is supported by the KKF, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, focused on using technology to address pressing sustainability issues in Saudi cities.

Sumanta Roy, president and regional head of TCS Middle East & Africa, said: “Saudi Arabia is rapidly urbanizing and TCS is committed to supporting the development of urban environments where people and nature coexist. The innovative solutions presented reflect a deep understanding of the challenges facing our modern-day cities.”

Princess Nouf emphasized the competition’s alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

“Building a sustainable future begins today through decisions that improve the environment, economy and society together. Sustainability is a deep commitment to our communities,” she said.