Muscat: The third Asian Arabic Debating Championship kicked off Tuesday in Muscat, hosted by Oman for the second time in a row.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event is organized jointly by Oman's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the QatarDebate Center (QDC), and the Oman Debate Center, and will continue until November 1. The championship features 40 teams from 16 Asian countries, representing various universities and educational institutions. The tournament aims to promote the culture of dialogue in Arabic and enhance the youth's critical thinking skills and persuasion.
The opening ceremony took place at the Arab Open University in Muscat, attended by Omani dignitaries, including Mohammed bin Said Al Balushi, HE Under-Secretary for the Ministry of Information, and Basil bin Ahmed Al Rawas, HE Undersecretary for Sports and Youth, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. QDC Executive Director Dr. Hayat Abdulla Maarafi was also present, along with university heads, media representatives, and delegations from the participating teams.
Director of Communications at QDC, Reem Al Musallam, highlighted that choosing Muscat as the host city underscores its role as a bridge for civilizational communication and a cultural hub. She emphasized QDC's commitment to supporting debate culture and youth empowerment through the Arabic language. Tournament General Coordinator Khalid Khamees Al Ibrahim noted that the event in Oman serves as a gathering point for young people from Asia to explore the values of constructive conversation and critical thinking. He pointed out that debate is a tool for building well-informed personalities and making positive impacts.
Nasser bin Hamid Al Hunai, CEO of Oman Debate Center, stated that Oman's hospitality reflects its commitment to supporting youth initiatives and establishing its position as a regional platform for conversation and expertise sharing. This year's debates address significant issues affecting youth, such as sustainable development, education, and cultural identity. An international adjudication committee assesses the rounds based on criteria that evaluate the strength of suggestions and language proficiency.
Ahead of the tournament, QDC organized an adjudicators academy workshop, which involved 30 adjudicators from Oman. The workshop aimed to enhance adjudication skills and unify evaluation standards, contributing to a successful championship that fosters the culture of dialogue in Arabic.