​​Under the patronage of the University President, Prof. Mohammed Al-Badi, the Arab Open University in Muscat Governorate hosted the launch of the preliminary rounds of the 8th National Debate Championship on Friday, April 11. The championship is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in partnership with the Oman Debates Center. This national platform aims to enhance youth skills in persuasion, critical thinking, and the promotion of constructive dialogue.

The university hosted the first of three main qualification stages, featuring teams from the governorates of Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, South Al Batinah, North Ash Sharqiyah, and South Ash Sharqiyah. These competitions aim to select the teams that will qualify for the finals.

The championship is one of the national initiatives aligned with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on youth empowerment. In addition to the debates, it includes specialized training programs in the arts of debating, argumentation, and issue analysis, reinforcing its role as an effective educational tool in advancing learning and preparing youth with responsible and articulate expression.