Promoting the Arabic language is a top priority among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members – such a priority, in fact, that it’s receiving attention among the very top of the economic partnership’s leadership.
Sharjah24 reports that the first International Arabic Conference launched in late April with officiation from Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, deputy ruler of Sharjah and president of the University of Sharjah. Organized by the University of Sharjah, the language conference is yet another demonstration of the Arab world’s commitment to promoting Arabic as a major international business language.
“The conference's objective is to emphasize the role of the Emirate of Sharjah and its leader in promoting the Arabic language, its cultural projects, and its modern cultural message,” Sharjah24 reports. “It also aims to develop Arabic language curricula's digital content in line with the demands of digitization, sustainable development, and the integration between Arabic linguistics, educational trends, and contemporary psychological and social studies.”
Al Qasimi’s efforts toward that end were well recognized at the conference. According to Sharjah24, Dr. Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, chancellor of the University of Sharjah and chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Conference, was particularly effusive, thanking him for sponsoring the first-of-its-kind conference and noting the Arabic language’s importance in religious, scientific, and cultural matters, as well as solidifying national identity among Arabic countries.
“He praised him for his tireless work in harnessing material and moral resources to serve the language,” Sharjah24 reports. “His Highness has elevated the status of the Arabic Language Academy and helped to issue its rich historical dictionary.”
In keeping with the goals of advancing Arabic as a language of international economic significance, much of Al Nuaimi’s words – and a central topic of the conference itself – centered on its relationship to developing science and technology industries in Arab-speaking countries. Of particular concern was addressing challenges in digitization and computer technologies.
“Al Nuaimi also highlighted the University of Sharjah's interest in scientific research and knowledge circulation, particularly in the field of the Arabic language,” the Emirates News Agency reports. “He stated that this conference is a testament to the University's commitment to strengthening the Islamic and Arab identity of the nation through the continuous pursuit of teaching the Arabic language based on the latest curricula. Additionally, it explores the prospects for developing and sustaining the language's leadership in international language classifications, given the world's rapid developments.”
According to Sharjah24, the conference began with the United Arab Emirites national anthem recitation of verses from the Qur’an. The conference’s place in Arabic history was in full view, with scholars finding inspiration in the period of Middle Ages scientific and mathematical advancement popularly known as the Islamic Golden Age. Over 13 sessions across two days, conference attendees discussed how their work might promote a second golden age for Arabic-language scholarship.
The International Language Conference wasn’t this year’s only Arab-language event, either. According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) hosted the third International Congress of Arabic Publishing and Creative Industries (Congress PCI), which unfolded April 28 at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
“Congress PCI is part of our commitment to propel the publishing sector to even greater heights, in line with our mission to promote Arabic language as a priority and enable greater cross-cultural understanding,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. “It presents a pivotal opportunity for experts from the publishing and creative sectors to actively shape the future of this industry, while developing an innovation-centric infrastructure that empowers the next generation of creative minds. We are proud to be able to convene decision makers, speakers and delegates from around the globe to drive cross-disciplinary conversations in our constant effort to promote intercultural dialogue and collaboration.”