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Goethe-Institut to build bridge between cultures

DUBAI — The new Goethe-Institut German Language Center was officially inaugurated in Bur Dubai yesterday.

The centre offers German language courses for teenagers and adults, including tailor-made courses.

On the occasion, German Consul-General in Dubai Johann-Adolf Cohausz said, “The Goethe-Institut has offices worldwide. The institute should be utilised as a bridge between cultures. We want the German culture to come firsthand to Dubai. The language will help learn about the culture and improve understanding about Germans.”

Germans would also like to learn a lot from the Arab culture, he added.

The Goethe-Institut, the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institution, promotes the study of the language abroad and encourages international cultural exchange. It also provides information on the country’s culture, society and politics.

Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, who was also present at the event said “We should encourage our youngsters to learn German. Over the years, I have learnt that it is important to teach the Dubai Police personnel the language. We have close cooperation with the Goethe-Institut.”

In fact, over the past one year, nearly 25 officials from the Dubai Police had been working with the institute’s officials to learn the language, he said, and added that he would encourage more officials to do the same.

Several cultural initiatives would also be planned by the centre in the course of the next year.

Dr Elke Kaschl Mohni, director of Goethe-Institut in the Gulf region, said as part of the cultural projects, four young German composers would come to Dubai next year. “They will stay in Dubai for a few months, experience the life and then hold a concert in the emirate, where their compositions will give an insight into their experiences,” she noted.

Mohammed Al Murr, chairman of Dubai Cultural Council, was also present at the inauguration.