An AI-powered Mandarin-learning platform built specifically for Arabic speakers is making global headlines. Developed by two students from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), the app named LingHua won Second Prize at the Global Final of the Huawei ICT Competition 2025-26, held in Shenzhen, China, competing against the world’s most brilliant student innovation teams.
The app had earlier won First Place at the regional competition before advancing to the global finals. The Huawei ICT Competition is among the world’s largest student technology competitions.
LingHua was created to address the growing demand for Mandarin language learning in the UAE and the wider region. Unlike conventional learning platforms that teach Mandarin through English, LingHua enables learners to study directly through Arabic, making the learning experience more intuitive and culturally relevant. The platform also incorporates an AI-powered virtual tutor that helps users practice conversations, improve pronunciation and build confidence while learning.
Professor Bassam Alameddine, President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, commented: “This outstanding achievement reflects the kind of innovation we foster at AURAK, where students are encouraged to solve real-world challenges through creativity, collaboration and technology. Zoha and Hazim have demonstrated that when students from different disciplines work together, they can create solutions with meaningful social impact. We are immensely proud that they have represented both AURAK and the UAE with such distinction on the global stage.”
The platform was developed by Zoha Farooq, a Mass Communication student, and Hazim Anwar, a Computer Engineering student, under the mentorship of Dr. Khouloud Salameh, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Computing / Associate Professor – Computer Science, AURAK.
Designed for school students, teachers and independent learners alike, the platform combines interactive lessons, personalized learning pathways and classroom management tools to create an engaging educational experience. Early classroom trials in the UAE have demonstrated strong student engagement and positive feedback from teachers, highlighting the platform’s potential to support Mandarin education across the country.
Zoha Farooq said: “Our aim was to create something that genuinely makes language learning easier for Arabic speakers. Seeing our idea evolve from a university project into a platform recognized on the world stage has been an incredible journey. We hope LingHua encourages more people to embrace Mandarin and opens new opportunities for communication and cultural exchange.”
Hazim Anwar added: “This experience taught us that innovation is about understanding people’s needs and building practical solutions around them. Competing against talented teams from around the world pushed us to think bigger and refine our ideas. Receiving global recognition is both an honor and a motivation to continue improving the platform and expanding its reach.”
The new platform has great significance in the UAE, because Mandarin is no longer a niche interest in the Gulf; it now sits inside the UAE’s public-school curriculum, and underpins a fast-growing volume of trade, tourism, and study between the UAE and China.
The Huawei ICT Competition is among the world’s largest student technology competitions, attracting more than 220,000 students and faculty members from over 2,000 institutions across more than 100 countries and regions. This year’s Global Final brought together 177 teams from 49 countries and regions, showcasing innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges.
