Omani education official: Chinese is becoming a key skill for future generations

At the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference, CGTN's Merna Al Nasser spoke with Salim Mohammed Abdullah Al Kharousi, director of the Department of Human Sciences at the Omani Ministry of Education.

He explained that Oman has introduced Chinese for the first time in its secondary school system, beginning with Grade 11. Although students have only been studying for a few weeks, they have already shown strong enthusiasm, viewing Chinese as a pathway to future opportunities in technology, industry and international cooperation.

Al Kharousi noted that interest in Chinese is rising not only in Oman but across the Middle East and beyond, creating a growing global competition to learn the language. He said that for Omani youth, Chinese is increasingly becoming a "bridge" to new skills, new industries and a more connected future.

He expressed appreciation to China for supporting Oman's Chinese language program and said he hopes the initiative will continue to expand in the coming years.