BBC to teach English by radio in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Minister of Information, Iyad al Madani, 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. UK lifestyle and culture is also included.

Andrew Thompson, Head BBC Learning English said:

"We are very excited by this opportunity to reach audiences on FM for the first time in Saudi Arabia. I am also confident that this new partnership with Radio Riyadh is just the beginning of future collaborations."

Khalid Al Kulaib, Director of the European Service of Radio Riyadh added: "We are delighted with this new arrangement with the BBC. People in Saudi Arabia want to learn English to get ahead on the job market, improve their professional development and communicate more widely at an international level and these tailored new programmes can help them to do that."

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 also broadcast on MW in Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman between 08.00 and 11.00 am local time.