The Department of English and Translation at the College of Arts and Social Sciences hosted four students from Kazan Federal University in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, for an 80-hour training programme in Arabic-Russian interpreting. The programme, organised in collaboration with the International Cooperation Office, was prepared and managed by Dr. Ahd Othman, Assistant Professor of Translation Studies in the department. The training was delivered by Dr. Ahd Othman and Mr. Ayman Al-Owaisi, Lecturer in Translation Studies.

During the training, which was tailored to meet their specific needs, the students enhanced their interpreting skills through interactions with faculty members, students, and staff at the University. They completed exercises in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, using authentic and semi-authentic interpreting scenarios. The programme covered a wide range of specialised topics, including politics, economics, new technologies, media, international partnerships, tourism, governance, law, film, and cultural industries, among others. Additionally, participants were introduced to key concepts in Translation Studies and the Arabic-speaking translation market, enabling them to reflect on their interpreting practices.

By the end of the training, the students demonstrated their ability to retain knowledge and skills, as well as a diverse range of specialised vocabulary in their interpreting performances and group discussions, often incorporating concepts addressed earlier in the programme.

In addition to the academic courses, the students participated in a cultural programme organised by the International Cooperation Office, which provided them with the opportunity to explore the Sultanate of Oman through excursions and cultural activities.

At the conclusion of the programme, both organisers and participants expressed their interest in organising another training programme next year, thus paving the way for further exchange of knowledge and skills between the two universities.