The Role of Using Artificial Intelligence Applications in Developing Students' English Speaking Skills from the Perspective of English Teachers and Supervisors in Riyadh Region

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This study aimed to investigate the role of artificial intelligence applications in developing students' English speaking skills, from the perspective of English language teachers and supervisors in Riyadh region, by identifying the most appropriate applications for this purpose, their role, the obstacles that limit their use, and suggestions for overcoming those obstacles. To achieve these objectives, a descriptive methodology, and a questionnaire was designed that included both closed-ended and open-ended questions, administered to a random sample of (435) English language teachers and supervisors in Riyadh region, during the academic year (2025–2026). The results of the study revealed a high level of agreement among the sample members that AI applications contribute to developing speaking skills through vocabulary enhancement, pronunciation improvement, raising fluency levels, and building students' linguistic confidence. The results also indicated that applications such as ChatGPT, Duolingo, HelloTalk, Speak & Improve, and Gemini are among the most widely used tools for improving speaking skills. On the other hand, the study identified a number of obstacles, most notably weak technical infrastructure, limited specialized training, and insufficient technical skills among some users. The suggestions indicated that improving technical infrastructure, and providing specialized training for teachers, integrating AI applications into curricula represent the most prominent means of overcoming those obstacles. The study recommended developing the technological infrastructure, providing specialized training programs for teachers, and promoting the use of AI applications in teaching English, especially speaking skills.