Debating workshops put Qatar on track to becoming the leading debating nation in the Middle East

Andrew Goodman, Chairman of the Debates Selection Committee of the Oxford Union, and Alex Just, former President of the Oxford Union, made the comment after spending two weeks in Qatar running debating workshops.

More than 500 students and faculty from 15 educational institutions took part in the workshops. The Oxford coaches said they believe it was the largest debating training pilot of its kind to be run anywhere in the world and were impressed by the enthusiasm of those who took part.

"We've held debating workshops and training sessions in many countries around the world but were really struck by the level of demand here in Qatar. It is rare to find so many young people interested in learning more about debating," said Andrew Goodman.

"We have seen many talented students and we hope to help develop a team from Qatar which will be able to take part in international competitions next years," he added.

The groundbreaking workshops provided an introduction to the rules of international debating, as well as coaching on how to develop arguments, improve style and think strategically.

The workshops were held in association with Qatar Foundation and the Doha Debates, which forged a relationship with the Oxford Union when they held their first overseas debate in Oxford on May 1st, 2007.

Seventy-five percent of those attending the workshops were female and a third of participants were Qatari nationals. Alex Just said, "Such figures would be extraordinary in the West, but in the Gulf region, they are nothing short of phenomenal. I think there is great potential for Qatar to become the leading debating nation in this region."

Meeran Naji, a student at Qatar Academy, said, "The workshop was really useful in giving us information about competitive debating and helped me and my school friends be more confident talking in front of other people. I would love to get more involved in debating and maybe even represent my country one day!"

More workshops are planned for November and December to introduce new students to debating as well and to provide intensive training for those serious about competing.

"Many students in Qatar already have experience in debating and it would be great to take it to the next level and have formal competitions set up here," said Alex Just. "We haven't seen many teams from the Middle East competing in international competitions in the past and it would be wonderful to see Qatar on the world debating stage."