The final as well as the semi final rounds of the Second International Schools Arabic Debating Championship organised by QatarDebate Centre will take place at the Qatar National Convention Centre today.

The championship is held under the patronage of HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, vice-president and executive committee chairperson of the Supreme Education Council (SEC). A total of 18 Arab countries and other 4 countries are taking part in the competition. A team from the United States of America supported by Qatar Foundation International is also  part of the competition.

Yemen and Turkey have qualified for the final round of the debate championship.  Qatar will take on Jordan for a berth in the final four. A large number of dignitaries and diplomats from the missions of the participating countries attended various sessions of the championship.

Dr Hayat Maarafi, executive director of QatarDebate Centre said that the championship was  one of the most successful events  organised by the centre over the past years. “QatarDebate  is continuing its efforts for effective debate and has opened room for  giving the art of debating its value that was overlooked for several years.”

She said that  QatarDebate Centre aims  to  disseminate the art of debate in Arabic language among the  Arab communities.” As  part of its mission, QatarDebate aims to promote Arabic debating among the  youth to  prepare them as  the leaders of tomorrow with  authentic Arabic credentials  to serve the culture and identity of their nations.”

Maarafi said the efforts of the centre in spreading the culture of debate in the Arab world have started paying dividends as delegates from  Kuwait and Tunisia, have taken initiatives to disseminate the art of debate in their countries by becoming ambassadors of  QatarDebate.

Ali al Muftah, communications manager at QatarDebate, said the centre was ready to support individuals who are ready to learn and spread the art of debating all over the world.