Many Saudis are not happy with English-language teaching centers inside the Kingdom and have proposed specialized clubs to make learning easier and more interesting.
Some people prefer centers in Western countries to those in the Kingdom because the former gives them a chance to mix with English-speaking people.
“We should have specialized clubs to make English learning easier and effective,” said Abdul Mohsen Al-Talhi, a Saudi employee. “These clubs should have different activities including sports, picnics, and show movies and television programs, where students can interact often with their colleagues and instructors,” he told Arab News.
He said such clubs would help students speak freely without fear and learn new things every day. “This is much better than what is presently offered at our language centers,” he said. “These clubs must arrange visits to markets and institutions such as universities, English-language newspapers and international schools. They should give lessons for an hour inside classrooms and organize two-hour programs outside. This will give students more opportunities to interact with people.”
Al-Talhi said many Saudis prefer to attend courses in the US, UK and Canada because they get more opportunities to talk in English. “They don’t get such an atmosphere in Saudi Arabia.” He said instructors in these clubs should also allow students to watch CNN and BBC to learn new words and their pronunciation.
“Students should be encouraged to speak about any topic of their interest. At present they just listen to instructors,” Al-Talhi said. Students can also make use of modern communication and social media to learn the language, he said.
Khaled Aburas, a Saudi journalist who has attended classes at different language institutes, said: “The standard of the centers in the Kingdom is very poor compared to their counterparts abroad.” Language centers in the Kingdom follow the traditional teaching style without giving students the chance to practice what they have learned, he said.
He also urged language centers to conduct visits to shopping centers and museums to help students learn new words and their usage. “They should take students to open areas from their closed classrooms. It will have a big impact.”
Aburas also agreed that language courses offered in Western countries were more useful than those inside the Kingdom. “When we go to foreign countries we interact with people and learn many things on the street.” He also urged Saudi language centers to organize foreign trips.
Sabitha Rahim, an English instructor at King Abdulaziz University, welcomed the idea of language clubs. “Language is a skill that cannot be learnt through theory alone. These clubs will definitely enhance a student’s language skills with more practice and by engaging in various interesting activities,” she told Arab News.
However, Rahim emphasized the importance of internationally recognized English-language centers and institutes that provide studies based on an international curriculum with specified and structured learning outcomes. She advised students to read English newspapers, watch English TV programs and speak in English to improve their proficiency.
Saudis propose specialized clubs to make English teaching easier and interesting
Saudis propose specialized clubs to make English teaching easier and interesting
Red Sea Global unveils Laheq Island, a landmark destination for luxurious living
- Scheduled to open in 2028, Laheq Island will be the first project within the destination focused on residential unit ownership
- The island is surrounded by one of the world's largest barrier reefs, home to over 2,000 rare and unique marine species
TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) unveiled Laheq Island, Saudi Arabia's first private residential island offering a luxury lifestyle experience.
The island marks the first residential project to be announced following the completion of Phase One of The Red Sea destination, which welcomed its first guests in 2023 and saw the opening of five resorts.
Construction is underway to complete an additional 11 resorts on Shura Island, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Red Sea destination is connected with other parts the Kingdom and the world via the Red Sea International Airport, which now offers regular domestic and international flights.
Scheduled to open in 2028, Laheq Island will be the first project within the destination focused on residential unit ownership, complemented by exceptional hospitality facilities and services, SPA said.
Laheq is part of an archipelago of 92 pristine islands along the Kingdom's west coast, surrounded by one of the world's largest barrier reefs that are home to over 2,000 rare and unique marine species.
The island spans 400 hectares (4 million square meters) and features a wide array of recreational facilities and activities designed for both residents and visitors.
RSG, which is owned by the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has pledged to plant 50 million mangrove trees and enhance their habitats while also protecting and regenerating coral reefs and surrounding marine ecosystems.
The report said that once completed, the Red Sea destination will become the world's largest tourism destination with all facilities and resorts powered entirely by 100% renewable energy.
All 16 resorts of Phase One are expected to be fully operational this year. By 2030, The Red Sea destination will comprise 50 resorts offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential units across 22 islands and six inland sites.
Investigation debunks claims about coalition strikes in Yemen
- Coalition’s Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) held a meeting to address allegations regarding airstrikes in various regions of Yemen
RIYADH: An investigation found that a number of airstrikes carried out by The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen did not target civilian sites including a hospital and farm as claimed.
The coalition’s Joint Incidents Assessment Team held a meeting on Wednesday to address allegations regarding airstrikes in various regions of Yemen in recent years.
On Jan. 13, 2022, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that an airstrike partially damaged the emergency department and inpatient clinics of a hospital in the Al-Sawad area.
It was claimed that coalition forces targeted a military camp near the hospital.
The JIAT reviewed relevant documentation and found that a military camp, known as Al-Sawad camp, was located near the 48 Model Hospital, which is on the coalition forces’ no strike list.
On the day of the alleged strike, coalition forces conducted a targeted airstrike on military targets within the camp, based on intelligence regarding Houthi militia activities.
The bombs were guided and aimed to minimize civilian impact, hitting their intended targets accurately and remaining a safe distance from the hospital.
Therefore, the JIAT concluded that coalition forces did not target the hospital on Jan. 13, 2022.
On March 3, 2021, reports emerged alleging that coalition forces conducted an airstrike targeting a farm in the Al-Watadah area of the Khawlan Directorate in Sanaa Governorate.
The JIAT said it reviewed documents, including air tasking orders, daily mission schedules and satellite imagery.
The investigation revealed that no specific coordinates for the alleged farm were provided.
The JIAT found no record of airstrikes in Al-Watadah on the date in question, nor in the days surrounding it. Open-source searches yielded no corroborating information.
In conclusion, the JIAT determined that coalition forces did not target a farm in Al-Watadah on March 3, 2021, as alleged.
Other reports indicated that a missile fell near a house in Al-Malaheet village on Feb. 23, 2020. The JIAT investigated and found no evidence that coalition forces had conducted missile strikes in the area on that date.
On June 4, 2015, allegations surfaced regarding an airstrike on the governorate building in Zinjibar. The JIAT confirmed that no air missions were conducted in Abyan on that date.
Through these investigations, the JIAT aims to clarify allegations and uphold accountability and transparency.
Saudi deputy FM receives Mauritania envoy in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received Ambassador of Mauritania to the Kingdom Mokhtar Ould Dahi in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and various issues of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Faisal Al-Harbi presented a copy of his credentials as non-resident ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, the Eswatinian foreign minister, the Saudi Embassy in South Africa wrote on X.
Saudi Arabia celebrates World Heritage Day with 6 days of events in Riyadh
- The events, from April 16-21 at Laysen Valley, aim to honor and promote the historical and cultural values of the Kingdom and its heritage through educational and interactive activities
- Visitors will be greeted with an immersive experience that transports them to the Kingdom’s eight World Heritage Sites and showcases their cultural significance
RIYADH: A series of special events are taking place this week at Laysen Valley in Riyadh in celebration of World Heritage Day on April 18.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture’s Heritage Commission, they run from April 16-21 with the aim of honoring and promoting the historical and cultural values of Saudi Arabia and its heritage through educational and interactive activities.
Visitors to Laysen Valley will be greeted with an immersive experience, organizers said, that transports them to the Kingdom’s eight World Heritage Sites and showcases their cultural significance through storytelling, a digital light show and live recreations of the locations.
A number of artists are participating in the events, including Abdullah Al-Fawzan, whose carved wooden works are inspired by Najdi designs. The doors of old Najd, known for their rich decoration and designs based on natural structures, are emblematic of the deep roots and culture of the central Saudi region.
Al-Fawzan told Arab News that woodcarving is an essential element of his family’s traditions, dating back six generations. Under the guidance of his father, he began learning the skill at the age of seven years old. He has created about 100 Najdi-style doors for numerous projects in various parts of the capital, including Diriyah and Al-Doho, a historic neighborhood in southern Riyadh.
“We could say that craftspeople are considered the bridge between the past and the present,” he said. “We are working on pieces that are completely handmade, while preserving the authenticity and the identity of Najd.”
Al-Fawzan works for six to 10 hours a day carving and painting his works, and his craft has taught him the art of patience, especially when he encounters problems.
“We have a saying that says ‘He who is patience, triumphs,’” he explained. “I can’t work on anything big if I am in a bad mood. I must be in a clear mood, far away from any problems and ready to work.”
Other attractions at the Heritage Day events include a dedicated children’s area, and pavilions showcasing traditional arts and crafts. There are also workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and marketplaces where craftspeople will be selling handmade items. In addition there will be a series of drone shows at Wadi Al-Turath on April 18.
Makkah deputy governor reviews Hajj plans
- Meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing projects to support the pilgrimage, scheduled to be operational during the Hajj
- Prince Saud emphasized the importance of implementing the leadership’s directives, which stress early preparation and coordination across all sectors
MAKKAH: Prince Saud bin Mishaal, deputy governor of Makkah, chaired the first meeting of the Permanent Committee for Hajj and Umrah to review the plans and preparations for this year’s Hajj season.
The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing projects to support the pilgrimage, scheduled to be operational during the Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Saud emphasized the importance of implementing the leadership’s directives, which stress early preparation and coordination across all sectors to ensure top-quality services and comfort for pilgrims.
He noted that the government of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spared no effort in facilitating the pilgrimage, mobilizing all resources to ensure pilgrims perform their rituals with ease, peace of mind and security.
Participating organisations presented updates on the readiness of their operational plans and the progress of development projects at the holy sites.
The committee also reviewed afforestation and green cover initiatives aimed at planting 10,000 trees to improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and enhance the pilgrimage experience.
Several other agenda items were discussed, and the committee issued the necessary recommendations, the SPA reported.
