Muscat – Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) won the third Asian Arabic Debating Championship in the native Arabic category. The competition was hosted by Oman from October 28 to November 1 and organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth MDSY), in cooperation with Oman Debate Center and QatarDebate Center.

The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in the presence of H E Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Undersecretary for Sports and Youth in MCSY, and Yasser bin Abdullah al Jamal, Undersecretary in the Qatari Ministry of Sports and Youth.

The championship brought together 40 educational institutions from 18 countries, with 145 participants competing in native, non-native and open Arabic-speaking categories.

In the native Arabic category, Carnegie Mellon University of Qatar finished second, while Qatar University placed third.

In the non-native Arabic speakers’ category, Fahmed Khan from Darul Huda Islamic University of India secured the first place. Callum James from Australian National University came second, and Mohammad Azhar from Muslim Cendekia University of Indonesia came third. 

In the open Arabic speakers’ category, Abdullah al Kubaisi from Qatar University won the Best Speaker Award. Mohammed al Muzaini from Carnegie Mellon University of Qatar came second and Maha al Badr from Qatar University finished third.

Addressing the awards ceremony, Salem bin Mutair al Shamkhi, Vice-President of Oman Debate Center, said the success of the championship reflected strong collaboration between the organising bodies and highlighted efforts to promote debate and the Arabic language in Asia.

He said the championship reinforced dialogue based on mutual respect and showed that differences can lead to intellectual growth and progress.

Dr Hayat Abdullah Maarafi, Executive Director of QatarDebate Center, said the event provided a model for empowering youth through dialogue and exchange of ideas. She praised Oman’s role in creating an environment that supports cultural understanding and cooperation between nations.

She added that the partnership between the organising bodies reflected a shared belief in dialogue as a foundation for awareness and meaningful youth engagement.