Lyna Mohamad
The Arabic Language Faculty at the Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Brunei Darussalam conducted an Arabic Language Carnival last Sunday.
Imlaa’ (dictation), Khat Arabi, language game, quiz, treasure hunt and cooking competitions were held.
The morning sessions saw the involvement of 279 primary and secondary school students, while the afternoon saw the participation of 122 students of higher learning institutes and members of the public.
Winners will receive prizes during the Appreciation and Prize Presentation Ceremony on December 19, in conjunction with World Arabic Language Day marked on December 18.
The carnival, launched in October, aims to establish a conducive Arabic Language environment and disseminate information on the importance of Arabic Language.
The programme also aims to strengthen collaboration with Middle Eastern embassies in the country, particularly the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Brunei Darussalam; intensify Arabic Language knowledge in the country; realise the Zikir Nation; and realise UNISSA’s vision and mission.
Fourteen competitions were opened to over 60 educational institutions and associations, including Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), Brunei Arabic Language Association, Rabitah Alumni Al-Azhar Brunei branch, Arabic schools, Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Religious and Secondary Schools as well interested public members.
Assistant Rector Academic and Dean of the Arabic Language Faculty Associate Professor Dr Siti Sara binti Haji Ahmad said the competition’s format this year was different, with the event held for a longer duration (nearly two months, compared to five days previously).