Muscat: Preliminary rounds of the National Debating Championship will begin on 4 April 2026. The championship is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the Directorate General of Youth.

According to Oman News Agency, the championship will be contested by students from schools, universities, colleges, and youth from sports clubs. Contestants of the preliminary rounds include 12 teams from schools and 88 teams from universities, colleges, and sports clubs. The winners will qualify for the final rounds.

The championship is an annual event that focuses on training Omani youth in the fields of logical analysis, debate, and dialogue skills. It aims to groom a leading generation that contributes to the progress of society and develops logical thinking and critical analysis.

Interest in the art of debate in the Sultanate of Oman began more than 10 years ago, spearheaded by students of schools and universities. However, it took shape in 2016 upon the launch of the first national debate championship organized by the National Youth Committee at that time. Since then, the mission was undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, acting in partnership with the Oman Debate Centre.