BBC to teach English by radio in Saudi Arabia

BBC Learning English, a division of BBC World Service, has signed a deal with Radio Riyadh to provide tailored bilingual programmes for learners of English across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Minister of Information, Iyad al Madani, is reported to have played a crucial role in the advisory stages of the deal, and the teaching programmes are now broadcast for the first time on FM on the European Service of Radio Riyadh in Arabic and English and can be heard in key cities across the country.

The programmes are designed specifically for young people and feature bilingual presenters. The lessons teach listening and comprehension and explain points of the English language through topical and human interest stories.

“We are very excited by this opportunity to reach audiences on FM for the first time in Saudi Arabia,” says Andrew Thompson, head of BBC Learning English. “This new partnership with Radio Riyadh is just the beginning of future collaborations.”

BBC Learning English teaching programmes are available on Radio Riyadh twice a week on 97.7FM in Riyadh, 96.2FM in Jeddah, 95.2FM in Kharj, 103.06FM in Dammam and 106.9FM in Taif. Teaching programmes are also broadcast on MW in Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman between 08.00 and 11.00 am local time.

Speaking about the service, Khalid Al Kulaib, director of the European Service of Radio Riyadh, says: “People in KSA want to learn English to get ahead on the job market, improve their professional development and communicate more widely at an international level. These tailored programmes can help them to do that.”

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