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Course Objectives

Objective 1: Grammar, Text production, and Discussion

Writing: Be introduced to new grammatical features that are part of a higher level of expression. Students will learn to construct sentences and express more complex thoughts independently. Students will be asked to produce texts departing from the texts treated in class. These include summaries, descriptions, narrations, and argumentative pieces developing a personal standpoint according to their level.

Speaking: Students will discuss current topics in class or in debate groups using the studied grammar features. They will have awareness raised concerning typical mistakes in sentence structure and pronunciation. The course is completed by oral presentations in class.

Objective 2: Media Literacy

Listening: Students will develop the ability to comprehend utterances in the target language in recorded broadcast media, in both fusha (MSA) and commonly spoken Arabic as found in reports, interviews, and talk shows.

Reading: Students will be introduced to texts from print media and the internet using the grammatical structures under study. In this unit, students will read different genres of texts, learn and apply skimming techniques according to their level, understand in-depth the given texts, and analyze them grammatically and style-wise.

Course Objectives2023-05-14T02:23:41+02:00

Program Dates and Prices

Noor Majan offers intensive Arabic language courses in two unique locations: our principal institute site in Muscat, and our affiliated Daaris Institute in Nizwa. Both locations represent a unique experience of the Sultanate and are equally rigorous in nature.

Classes meet for five teaching hours per day, five days a week, a total of 25 contact hours per week, meaning each program consists of 100 monthly contact hours. In addition to the formal instruction, Noor Majan offers two hours weekly of language partner practice at our Muscat campus.

Please click the buttons below for the two locations’ respective prices and program dates.

Dates and Prices For Muscat
Dates for Nizwa

Program Dates and Prices2023-07-25T01:23:38+02:00

Academic Program Overview

The intensive Arabic program is designed to rapidly develop a student’s language abilities by enabling them to engage with Arabic speakers confidently.

Noor Majan believes that successful language acquisition occurs when students are repeatedly challenged to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities in a structured environment. Thus, Noor Majan’s intensive Arabic program reflects this idea by developing all four language skills with a focus on three distinct concentrations; foundational knowledge in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), skills development, and application of knowledge through media literacy. The program will provide intensive reading, writing, speaking, and listening practice for 20 formal contact hours per week, lasting for a total of 4 weeks per term, a total of 100 formal contact hours per month. In addition to the 20 formal contact hours per week, Noor Majan’s intensive Arabic course strengthens students’ abilities with 2 hours of language partner sessions per week. During these language partner sessions, students will learn how to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-life setting, solidifying their knowledge.

Noor Majan uses authentic and genuine material from print and broadcast media from the internet. Students will acquire the competence to consume, understand and comment on news broadcasts, articles, excerpts, and forum contributions using the adequate language register. Throughout the course, students will build on existing knowledge in Arabic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spoken and written skill sets. Finally, students will be introduced to various spoken dialects, enhancing their ability to understand the greater Arabic-speaking world.

For information on our program dates, please see below.

Academic Program Overview2023-05-14T02:12:40+02:00

Places

Geographic Diversity

The Sultanate of Oman is defined by its incredible geographical diversity. With an area comparable to New Mexico or Poland and a population of 4.5 million, Oman boasts a unique blend of pristine coastline, rugged mountains, lush oases, seasonal rainforests, colorful deserts, and modern cities. It’s no surprise that Oman was featured on the New York Times’s 52 Places to Visit in 2023 and ranked in the top ten of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022. Prepare to be captivated by Oman’s unparalleled natural wonders and vibrant urban landscapes.

Fortresses

Oman’s diverse landscape proudly showcases over 500 historic fortresses and towers, bearing witness to the nation’s illustrious past. These formidable structures served as guardians of trade routes, thwarted Persian and Portuguese invasions, and safeguarded Oman’s ruling families. Crafted from mud brick, stucco, and stone, these forts have withstood the test of time. Perched on hills, nestled among colossal boulders, or nestled beneath majestic mountains, each fortress holds a unique story. Among them, Bahla Fort stands tall as Oman’s largest fort, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore these mighty fortresses and unlock Oman’s rich historical legacy.

Rugged and Untouched Landscapes

Oman’s awe-inspiring landscapes stand as its most recognized feature. The majestic Hajar Mountain range, thrust into the sky by ancient tectonic forces, shaped the Sultanate’s distinct scenery. From the renowned deserts of the Empty Quarter and Sharqiyah Sands to the rugged valleys of Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab, and the captivating coastal areas of Musandam and Ras Al-Jinz, each location reveals a unique beauty. Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams showcase breathtaking mountain vistas, while central Oman’s flat deserts yield abundant oil and gas reserves.

To the west lies Dhofar, a region distinguished by bowl-shaped mountains that serve as a barrier between the sea and the Empty Quarter desert. During the summer months (late June to early September), Dhofar undergoes a remarkable transformation due to the Indian Ocean monsoon. Mist and rain veil Dhofar’s mountains, creating a lush seasonal rainforest that blankets the region in vibrant greenery. Below these verdant peaks lies Salalah, the country’s second-largest city. Salalah is home to one of the world’s oldest frankincense markets and boasts semi-tropical plantations, adding to the region’s allure.

Places2023-05-14T00:00:24+02:00

Omani People

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A Humble People

Humility, kindness, and generosity resemble the core values which run through the veins of the people of Oman. These values derive from Oman’s deep tradition of multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism arising from the Sultanate’s seafaring empire, which spanned from the coasts of Pakistan and Iran to Zanzibar in East Africa. Regional trade and exposure to different beliefs, cultures, traditions, and languages built a culture of profound reverence of human relationships. This idea of mutual respect and tolerance for others is the foundation of Omani society today.

Omanis are known for their hospitality. An invitation to a home is more than a polite gesture; it is an opportunity to become part of the family. Upon entering an Omani home, the visitor is given a cup of coffee, dates, fruits, and frankincense; resembling the humble gifts to the honored guest. Thus, generosity portrayed through the act of hospitality is an inseparable characteristic of the Omani people.

A Diverse and Tolerant People


Centuries of regional trade set the stage for Oman to emerge as a united people with a pluralistic heritage and identity. Omanis can trace their diverse heritage and languages to modern day Baluchistan and Sindh in Pakistan, Zanzibar and Dar Es-Salaam in Tanzania, the coastlines of Iran, and the western cities of Yemen.

This diversity of heritage and culture led to a deep tradition of tolerance for different religious beliefs, which is seen in all mosques where Sunnis, Shia, and Ibadhis pray united in their faith. Uniting these diverse identities is a strong sense of national pride founded on the very idea of respect for diversity. Omanis are a proud people, a diverse people, and it is in the Sultanate that we believe students can experience the diversity of the Arab world.

Omani People2023-05-14T04:54:34+02:00

Arabic in Oman

Arabic is a diglossic language, meaning the language is divided between two varieties for formal/international and informal/regional contexts. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is typically used in the media and academia, while local dialects of Arabic dominate day-to-day life. Many dialects proliferate throughout the Arabic-speaking world, posing a unique challenge to students who desire to master the language.

However, the dialect widely spoken throughout the Sultanate is considered as the closest among Arabic dialects to MSA. This unique nature of Omani Arabic allows students to freely use a combination of MSA and dialect during their studies in Oman. Noor Majan develops and strengthens students’ understanding of various registers of Arabic by exposing them to several accents in the media skills component, with a focus on Omani Arabic.

What is it like to study Arabic in Oman? 

Arabic in Oman2023-05-13T23:21:40+02:00

Sultanate of Oman

Nestled in the picturesque southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is renowned for its remarkable diversity. A land where the colorful strands of history, traditions, languages, and landscapes are carefully woven into a vibrant tapestry rich in culture. The country is recognized by the World Economic Forum in 2017 as the 4th safest country in the world.

Before 1970 the Sultanate was among the least developed countries in the Arab world, with an average life expectancy of 49 years. Thanks to the leadership and wisdom of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the country experienced a period of rapid modernization and used its oil wealth to lift the nation out of poverty. Today, Oman has a highly-developed highway system, hundreds of schools, colleges, and universities, hundreds of modern hospitals, and a growing and innovative private sector. This period of modernization was met with reverence for the traditions of the Sultanate, leading to the preservation of the rich Omani heritage and harmonization between tradition and modernity.

VIDEO: “#Oman: Where Language and Culture Meet”

VIDEO: What is it like to study Arabic in Oman?

Sultanate of Oman2023-05-13T23:32:24+02:00

Our Team

Sultan Al Farsi

Institute Director

To person detail

Hussein Al Farsi

Language Director

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Ibri staff

Dr. Saif Al Azri

Arabic Instructor

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Yusuf Al Jasasi

Arabic Instructor

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Mohammed Taher

Grounds Keeper

To staff bio

Muscat staff

Mohammed Al Maawali

Administrative Staff

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Asma Al Shukeili
Asma holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic literature from the University of Qatar and has several years of experience in the field of TAFL at different language institutes in Muscat. She joined us since the opening of our Muscat branch in early 2018 and has since been a very lively and outgoing teacher that shares her interest in different media with her students and doesn’t hesitate to discuss all topics that interest them.
Shifa Al Amri
Shifa brings to Noor Majan her passion for public speaking, broadcasting and an interest in researching social issues. She’s currently finalizing her thesis to obtain a master’s degree in TAFL and has joined our institute in mid-2019.
Al Khansa Al Rawahi
Al Khansa comes from a background of translation studies at Sultan Qaboos University but started her career in teaching Arabic as a foreign language after her graduation where she has gained experience since 2016 in different language schools. Since early 2019 Al Khansa has been a valuable addition to Noor Majan Muscat’s faculty.
Our Team2023-05-14T06:56:53+02:00

Partnerships and Affiliations

Noor Majan is dedicated to fostering partnerships with like-minded educational institutions, aiming to enhance professional growth and capacity in the realm of international education. As such, we are proud members of the Forum on Education Abroad and have established collaborative alliances with partners such as the Arab American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM), Sijal Institute in Amman, Alif Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Al Amana Centre in Muscat, Oman. Furthermore, Noor Majan is honored to serve as a host institution for the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. These partnerships reflect our endeavor to promote excellence and enrich the educational experiences of students from broad backgrounds and interests.

Al Amana Centre & Noor Majan

What is the Al Amana Centre?

Located near the historic Mutrah Souq in Muscat, the Al Amana Centre has been an integral part of Oman’s modern developmental history and is now at the forefront of Christian-Muslim dialogue and relations. With a heritage spanning over 120 years, the center has been deeply engaged in interfaith cooperation.

In 1893, members of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), with the blessing of Sultan Qaboos, arrived in Muscat to serve the people of Oman. With the help of Omanis, the RCA began a program of medical and educational development. Following the nationalization of Oman’s medical and educational sectors in the 1970s, a new vision emerged in response to the challenges of a world in which tensions between Christians and Muslims were on the rise. The Reformed Church in America encouraged the creation of an ecumenical center to work on building bridges of understanding and cooperation between Muslims and Christians. Al Amana was thus born. Today, the center collaborates with religious, educational, civic, and governmental leaders in Oman to develop programs centered on Christian-Muslim dialogue and relations.

Collaboration: Noor Majan & Al Amana Center

The collaboration between the Al Amana Centre and Noor Majan is founded on the shared belief that increased engagement in language and culture paves the way for mutual understanding and respect. This common perspective has led to the development of a distinctive program that combines intensive language studies with interfaith dialogue.

Students who participate in this program have the opportunity to spend a semester in Muscat with a special focus on exploring Muslim-Christian relations. The Arabic language component of the program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to actively engage in interfaith dialogue, while also providing them with a solid cultural foundation.

Noor Majan takes pride in its partnership with the Al Amana Centre and is dedicated to fostering understanding through education and language. By joining forces, the two organizations aim to create a unique learning experience that promotes interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and a deepening of mutual respect.

For further details about this program and to learn more about the Al Amana Centre, please visit their website.

Noor Majan and AALIM: The Rihla Program

The geographical immensity of the Arabic-speaking world poses challenges for students who wish to gain sufficient exposure to various dialects of Arabic and the cultural diversity of the Arab world. To address this, Noor Majan and the Arab-American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) teamed up to provide students the opportunity to study in both Oman and Morocco under one program, the Rihla program, named after the Arabic word for “journey.”

Rihla’s name is also a tribute to Ibn Battuta, the renowned 14th-century Arab explorer, whose seminal travelogue “Al-Rihla” chronicles his remarkable journeys. Ibn Battuta embarked from Morocco and traversed the Arabic-speaking world, reaching Oman as the easternmost point, before venturing onward to India and China. By adopting the name “Rihla,” we invite Arabic students to engage with two opposite ends of the Arab world united by one original language.

Inquiries for the Omani portion of the program should be addressed to
Samira Selle, Noor Majan Training Institute
info[.@.]noormajan-institute.com

Inquiries for the Moroccan portion of the program should be addressed to
Anne Marie Skye, AALIM Executive Office
aalimorocco[.@.]yahoo.com

-Photos featured ( Maggie Dene, 2017 Rihla Summer Program Participant- College of William and Mary)

Noor Majan and the Critical Language Scholarship Program

clscholarship

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a prestigious initiative administered by the U.S. Department of State. Students who are awarded the coveted scholarship for Arabic spend a summer at one of four sites hosting overseas language and cultural immersion experiences for American undergraduate and graduate students. The program’s objective is to expand the pool of Americans proficient in critical languages while fostering connections between the people of the United States and other nations. CLS welcomes students at various levels of language proficiency, ensuring inclusivity and diversity among participants.

Noor Majan has had the privilege of serving as a host institution for the CLS Program since 2014. We extend our sincere gratitude to the American Councils for International Education and the CLS program team for their ongoing support and dedication to enhancing capacity building in Oman. This collaboration has allowed us to contribute to the program’s mission of equipping students with valuable language skills and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

After a three-year period of hosting virtual editions of the CLS program, summer 2023 students will be hosted in person at our Daaris Institute in Nizwa. We extend our gratitude to the CLS Program for their deep collaboration in Oman and look forward to continuing our partnership to provide exceptional language learning opportunities for talented American students.

Video of Capacity Building in Oman and Morocco

Critical Language Scholarship Summer, 2017 Participants

forumea

Commitment to Professionalism in Education Abroad

Noor Majan is a proud member of the Forum on Education Abroad. Our membership in the Forum enables us to actively professionalize our institute, under the guidance of the Forum’s Standards of Good Practice. Noor Majan is committed to following and implementing these best practices.

For more information about the Forum on Education Abroad, please click here.

Partnerships and Affiliations2023-05-22T04:51:14+02:00

Noor Majan Arabic Institute

Come study Arabic abroad in Oman. We're offering authentic Arabic taught by native and experienced Omani Arabic teachers. Ideal for Arabic immersion. Come study abroad!

Noor Majan-Muscat Campus

  • “Shadow” Building Way no. 4507 Building no. 539, Al khuwair, Muscat
  • PO BOX: 2428 – PC: 113 Al khuwair, Sultanate of Oman
  • (968) 99433381
  • info[.@.]noormajan-institute.com
  • Sun – Thurs: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Fri – Sat: Closed
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