Oman Integrates Chinese Language into Secondary Schools
At the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference, Salim Mohammed Abdullah Al Kharousi, director of the Department of Human Sciences at Oman’s Ministry of Education, highlighted the country’s groundbreaking move to introduce Mandarin Chinese into its secondary school curriculum. Starting this academic year, Grade 11 students are now learning the language, with early reports indicating ‘strong enthusiasm’ among youth who see it as a critical skill for careers in technology, industry, and cross-border collaboration.
Al Kharousi emphasized that Chinese proficiency is increasingly viewed as a ‘bridge’ to emerging sectors and global networks, particularly as economic ties between Asia and the Middle East deepen. ‘This isn’t just about language—it’s about preparing our youth for a interconnected future,’ he told CGTN’s Merna Al Nasser during the conference.
The initiative, supported by educational partnerships with the Chinese mainland, aligns with a broader regional trend. Countries across the Middle East are prioritizing Chinese language education to tap into opportunities in green energy, AI, and infrastructure development. Al Kharousi expressed optimism about expanding the program, stating, ‘We aim to make Chinese accessible to more students in the coming years.’
