JEDDAH — Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment English are participating in the first Saudi International Conference on English Language Teaching at King Abdulaziz University, represented by the English Language Institute in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The three-day conference & expo summit that will conclude today (Jan. 30), provides a comprehensive forum to educate and inform the academics, researchers, teachers and authors within Saudi Arabia and the region. Some 3,000 people, including both international and local delegates, attend the conference.

Cambridge is represented at the event by specialists from the UK and from the two organizsations’ regional teams which are based in Dubai. This exciting conference features various visionary and inspiring speakers including Scott Thornbury, Peter Watkins, Peter Lucantoni, Dr. David Crystal, Roisin Vaughan, Tim Banks and Nahla Al Malki.

Dr. Kenan Barut, Director, Cambridge University Press, MENA said: “We are honored to be the only Educational Premier Partner at the first Saudi International ELT Conference. King Abdulaziz University has been working very closely with Cambridge for many years, and we would like to thank them for organizing such an important educational event in line with their commitment to Saudi Vision 2030. We truly look forward to meeting educators during the conference and at our joint stand.”

Nassim Abu-Ershaed, Regional Commercial Head at Cambridge Assessment English, said: “We congratulate the English Language Institute and King Abdulaziz University on this ground-breaking conference which marks and important new stage in the development of the English language teaching profession. Our mission is to help people to learn English and prove their skills to the world, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to share our experience with colleagues in Saudi Arabia.”

Dr. Abdullah Al-Bargi, Dean, English Language Institute, King Abdulaziz University, said: “The conference marks a pivotal moment in ELT, bringing to the forefront the significant accomplishments professionals, organizations and institutions within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are making in advancing the quality of English language education. It heralds the start of the new decade with a vision of a future in which Saudi Arabia takes up its rightful position as a regional and global ELT leader. This is the third year in a row Cambridge University Press has joined us as a Primary Educational Partner. It aptly demonstrates the benefits of rewarding educational partnerships and reaffirms the commitment of Cambridge University Press to supporting ELI in its efforts to provide language teaching professionals with the world's premier professional development opportunities.” — SG