In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance language education and foster greater cultural exchange, Saudi Arabia is set to expand Mandarin Chinese language instruction in schools across the Kingdom.
This move follows the endorsement by the Kingdom’s Education Minister, Yousef al-Benyan, who recognises the growing significance of Chinese language skills in a globalised economy and the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and China.
The introduction of Mandarin language programmes is a key element of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and invest in human capital. Education Minister Yousef al-Benyan emphasised that enhancing foreign language skills among students is vital for preparing them for future opportunities, particularly in trade, business, and international diplomacy.
“Learning Mandarin opens doors to new cultural understanding and economic partnerships,” said the Education Minister. “We are committed to providing our students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Several companies are already leading the charge in Mandarin language education within Saudi schools, offering tailored programmes designed to suit the needs of young learners. One notable organisation is hihilulu, which promises to transform your future.
Language Learning Made Engaging and Effective – Learn Chinese with hihilulu for Global Opportunities!
hihilulu was established in Paris by Jennifer Huang in response to the challenge of developing effective teaching strategies for young Chinese learners in France. The programme draws inspiration from the groundbreaking work of Professor Joël Bellassen, a key figure in the development of Chinese language instruction in Europe and a former Inspector General of Chinese Teaching at the French National Education Ministry.
The Chinese language is presented to young children as a tonal and non-alphabetic writing system according to an innovative educational approach created in the 1980s by Professor Bellassen, who has devoted his life to teaching this language. This approach incorporates what is known as ‘snowballing’, a powerful strategy for simplifying Chinese learning. Choosing 125 components as the fundamental building blocks that quickly snowball into new characters, words, phrases, and full sentences, hihilulu breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps. Building on small successes, learners can make continuous progress towards their goals while gaining confidence and motivation along the way.
Schools will be able to offer comprehensive Mandarin language courses, ensuring that students gain proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing Chinese. The programmes are designed not only to teach the language but also to introduce students to Chinese culture and traditions, fostering a deeper understanding of one of the world’s oldest civilisations.
As this initiative unfolds, more schools across Saudi Arabia are expected to adopt Mandarin instruction, creating a generation of students equipped with valuable language skills that will benefit them in a variety of future endeavours.
To find out more about hihilulu, visit