King Salman academy launches in-person Arabic classes for non-native speakers
King Salman academy launches in-person Arabic classes for non-native speakers/node/2443121/saudi-arabia
King Salman academy launches in-person Arabic classes for non-native speakers
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A female teaching member teaching the Arabic language in-person within the activities of ABJAD Center’s program to teach the Arabic language to speakers of other languages. (Supplied)
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A student participating in ABJAD Center program to teach the Arabic language to speakers of other languages at the KSGAAL headquarters. (Supplied)
King Salman academy launches in-person Arabic classes for non-native speakers
Program comprises 4 levels over 8 months, totaling 160 hours
150 students from 41 nations are currently enrolled in course
Updated 17 January 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language recently initiated an in-person study program for non-native speakers at its Abjad Center in Riyadh.
Currently 150 students from 41 nations are enrolled, aligning with the Human Capacity Development Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
This program underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting the language and Arab culture.
The program comprises four levels — A1, A2, B1 and B2 — with each level lasting two months, totaling 160 educational hours or 20 hours per week. It also features cultural enrichment activities.
By the program’s end, learners will be able to grasp the language’s grammar, vocabulary, sounds, spelling, and identify key aspects of Arab culture. They will be able to write and speak, and have effective communication in diverse situations.
The Abjad Center for Teaching Arabic strives to provide high-quality, internationally-accredited education for non-native speakers.
The center aims to ensure learners have an understanding of the local culture and history, with information on customs and traditions.
Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said: “The Arabic language is a global language that represents an ancient and expansive culture.”
“The program is based on the latest international standards for teaching foreign languages and links language learning to its culture and original environment. This approach supports and enhances the quality of learning, connecting it to its natural communicative practice,” he added.
Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport
A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events
Updated 6 sec ago
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.
The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.
According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.
• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”
Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.
“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”
The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.
Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.
