The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) celebrated the graduation of the first cohort from the Abjad Center for Teaching Arabic Language, featuring 132 students from 34 countries who completed a comprehensive Arabic language program.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi highlighted the program's alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasizing its innovative teaching methods and culturally immersive approach, with students advancing through four CEFR levels over two months each.
The Abjad Center attracted over 16,000 applicants, with a selective process ensuring high-quality education and cultural integration, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal to promote Arabic globally and facilitate student integration into Saudi society.
Riyadh, September 4, 2024 — The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) marked a significant milestone today with the graduation of the inaugural cohort from the Abjad Center for Teaching Arabic Language. This landmark event saw 132 students from 34 countries celebrate their achievements, having successfully completed an intensive Arabic language program.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, Secretary General of the Academy, underscored the importance of the Human Capacity Development Program, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. He highlighted how the Abjad Center leverages a diverse array of educational programs provided by KSGAAL to teach Arabic to non-native speakers. These programs utilize innovative pedagogical methods and offer a culturally immersive learning environment designed to enhance language acquisition and cultural understanding.
The graduating students completed four progressive educational levels—A1, A2, B1, and B2—aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Each level was structured over two months, comprising a total of 160 instructional hours, or an average of 20 hours per week. This comprehensive approach ensured that students gained a solid foundation in Arabic language skills, tailored to meet the rigorous standards of the program.
Dr. Al-Washmi remarked on the exceptional appeal of the Abjad Center, which attracted over 16,000 applicants for its initial course. From this large pool, 132 students were selected, reflecting a meticulous selection process aimed at delivering high-quality education and an enriching cultural experience. The center’s unique approach integrates language learning with an in-depth exploration of Arabic and Saudi cultures, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.
The primary objectives for the first cohort included achieving proficiency in Arabic that aligns with the program’s goals, effectively using written and spoken Arabic in various contexts, engaging socially and linguistically in diverse Arabic-speaking environments, and gaining insight into key aspects of both Arabic and Saudi cultures.
The Abjad Center plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to promote the Arabic language internationally. By offering distinguished education that merges language learning with cultural immersion, the center supports the Kingdom’s efforts to foster global appreciation of the Arabic language and facilitate students' integration into Saudi society. This initiative not only enhances language skills but also deepens cultural connections, contributing to a more interconnected world.