The debate team from Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Jordan won the first place in the International Universities Arabic Debating Championship 2019, organised by QatarDebate Centre, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF).
The boys’ team from Qatar University won the second place, while the team from the University of Amar Telidji in Algeria came third in the competition that was concluded Wednesday.


HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani and Machaille al-Naimi with Qatar University boys team

HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of QF, attended the closing ceremony of the competition that took place at Qatar National Convention Centre.
During the ceremony, Sheikha Hind presented awards to the the winners of the championship which saw 107 teams from 51 Arab and non-Arab countries battling for the top position.
Dr Hayat Abdullah Maarafi, executive director of QatarDebate, welcomed guests to the event, expressing her pleasure at seeing such a large crowd “brought together by Arabic language to celebrate their diversity and passion for debate.” 
“This championship is a way to protect and preserve the Arabic language,” Dr Maarafi said.
She also asked the participants to take a pledge that they will protect the Arabic language regardless of which country they are from. She also noted that Arabic language is the language of intellect, elegance, and dignity.
Dr Maarafi thanked Sheikha Hind, Machaille al-Naimi, president of Community Development, QF; Elite Academy members; QatarDebate ambassadors; local and international judges; volunteers; and members of the media – including Reuters – as well as Al Jazeera Media Network for serving as the media partner, and Qatar Airways for being the official carrier.
The five day competition is the largest university debate competition so far with more than 600 team members and trainers participating in the competition.
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