Muscat: Qatar Debate Center (QDC), a member of Qatar Foundation, has declared Oman as the host for the 3rd Asian Arabic Debating Championship, scheduled to take place in Muscat from October 28 to November 1, 2025. The event will be a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman, QDC, and Oman Debate Center.
According to Qatar News Agency, this announcement was made during a press conference in Muscat, marking a crucial step towards fostering dialogue and cultural understanding among the youth across Asia. The championship highlights the Arabic language’s role as a significant global medium for thought and communication. It is part of ongoing efforts to promote debating skills in educational institutions, focusing on public speaking, critical analysis, and structured expression of opinions.
Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al Subaie, Director of Programs at QDC, stated that the event will bring together approximately 40 educational institutions from 18 Asian countries, including prominent universities and colleges. A total of 145 debaters are expected to participate in an intellectually stimulating environment that values diversity in culture and knowledge. The championship has grown considerably since its inception, with the first event held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, featuring 26 teams. Al Subaie emphasized Oman’s comprehensive and outstanding hosting bid, underpinned by its experience and resources for organizing successful international events.
Hilal bin Saif Al Siyabi, Director General of the Youth Directorate at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman, noted that hosting the event reflects Oman’s success with the second edition in 2023. That edition included nearly 400 students from various Asian universities and colleges and was well-received in academic and youth circles. Al Siyabi assured that the Ministry would continue supporting such initiatives, aligning with the National Youth Strategy and Oman Vision 2040 to enhance youth engagement and skills.
Nasser bin Hamid Al Hunai, CEO of Oman Debate Center, highlighted that the championship aims to strengthen principles of constructive dialogue and respect for diverse opinions. It seeks to encourage critical thinking, objective analysis of contemporary issues, and loyalty to the Arabic language as a medium of intellectual and cultural expression. The championship is poised to be a premier youth event, building capacities in critical thinking, promoting a culture of dialogue, and developing communication skills in modern standard Arabic. It aims to create an influential platform that prepares a generation capable of engaging in meaningful discussions with an open and responsible mindset.
The official opening of the championship is set for October 28, 2025, and will conclude on November 1, 2025, with the announcement of winners and the crowning of participating teams in a celebratory setting that blends thought, youth, and culture.