Chinese language classes are gaining popularity in Oman, where a growing number of public school students are taking up the language to explore future study and career opportunities in China.

The programme began in September 2025, when four public middle schools introduced Chinese as an elective. By September 2026, the number had doubled to eight, with enrolment rising from 156 to 277 students.

At Al-Sayed Sultan Bin Ahmed School in the capital Muscat, students in grades 11 and 12 receive five Chinese lessons a week. After just over a year of learning, many can already hold basic conversations and write Chinese characters. Classroom activities and friendly competitions are also helping keep them engaged.

Their ambitions range from studying in Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Tianjin to pursuing careers in artificial intelligence, trade and translation.

The growing interest is also being supported by cultural exchanges. In October, Muscat hosted Oman's first Chinese Film Week, which included a special screening of the animated film "I Am What I Am 2" for students.

As educational and cultural links between China and Oman continue to develop, Chinese is opening up new possibilities for the country's younger generation.