JEDDAH: A new debate camp in Historic Jeddah is bringing together students from diverse academic disciplines to develop critical thinking, argumentation and public speaking skills while promoting a culture of constructive dialogue.
The inaugural Debates Camp, a joint initiative by Wasl Cultural Center and the Saudi Center for Philosophy and Ethics, or SCOPE, is being held at Beit Al-Sharbatly, with sessions every Monday and Wednesday through Aug. 12.
The camp combines theoretical instruction with practical debate rounds modeled on international debating competitions, offering participants both intellectual and ethical training.
Twenty-four participants were selected for the camp and divided into six teams representing disciplines including medicine, architecture, computer science, information technology, languages, tourism, history and sustainable agriculture.
Seven speakers and mentors are leading the program, while a judging panel oversees the preliminary and final debate rounds.
Speakers include researcher and translator Lafi Al-Mutairi on the foundations of argumentation; Dr. Haifa Al-Osaimi on critical thinking; philosopher Dr. Saeed Bentager on the role of emotions in argumentation; Dr. Hassan Al-Sharif on intellectual virtues; Dr. Faisal Al-Shahrani on competitive debating techniques; futures researcher Dr. Abdulrahman Marshood as a guest speaker; and Azza Mukhtar on debate preparation.
Jawaher Al-Zahwani, executive director of Wasl Cultural Center, told Arab News, “The idea for the Debates Camp came from our belief that building an individual is not achieved through knowledge alone, but by equipping them with the tools to think, ask questions, analyze ideas, develop positions and construct arguments … We are not simply preparing speakers; we are cultivating thinkers who possess the tools for meaningful dialogue.”
She noted that the program is an invitation to exercise the mind, examine issues from different perspectives and nurture a generation capable of expressing its ideas.
“We hope every participant leaves with skills that will remain with them long after the camp ends, benefiting them in their studies, careers and everyday conversations.”
Dr. Hind Al-Hazmi, executive director of SCOPE, told Arab News the initiative supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of empowering young people: “With this first edition, we hope to lay the foundation for a sustainable intellectual and cultural initiative that prepares young people to engage in constructive dialogue, manage differences through scientific methodology and compete confidently on the international stage.
“Choosing Beit Al-Sharbatly in Historic Jeddah as the venue also reflects the city’s role as a vibrant cultural and intellectual hub,” she added.
Participants said the camp is helping them develop skills that will benefit them academically and professionally.
Mai Sami, a postgraduate student specializing in law and international relations, said, “As a law student, I joined the Debates Camp to strengthen my ability to build logical arguments, challenge evidence under pressure and analyze opposing viewpoints.
“This experience will help me prepare stronger legal pleadings in the future and enhance my confidence in defending my cases.”
Another participant, Nour Saeed, a postgraduate student specializing in soil science and sustainable agriculture, said, “I joined the Debates Camp to strengthen my ability to build scientific and practical arguments that support environmental issues.
“I believe this experience will help me communicate ideas more clearly and present environmental projects in a persuasive and objective way.”
