New centre in Capital to promote Arabic

ABU DHABI — A new decision establishing an Arabic centre in Abu Dhabi to develop the language and enhance its usage has been issued by the UAE President.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday issued the law establishing the Abu Dhabi Arabic language centre, under affiliation of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.

The centre will oversee strategic plans to elevate Arabic language and submit it to the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism for approval prior to being approved by the Executive Council. It will also propose legislations to use Arabic in all official letters and communications. The centre will perform periodical reviews for Arabic language curriculums at education institutions, set standards, data and measurement indicators, in coordination with all relevant entities, to address challenges facing modern Arabic language.

“The centre will be responsible for preparing studies and reports about Arabic content, launching initiatives to enhance Arabic materials and spreading awareness initiatives to support Arabic language development,” said a statement.

“In addition it will measure the effectiveness of the use of the language to enhance national identity and a sense of pride whilst strengthening the culture of Arabic reading throughout the community. The centre will support innovation in terms of scientific research in Arabic and translation in line with the scientific and artistic guidelines whilst launching initiatives to encourage non-Arabic speakers to learn the Arabic language.”

The centre will also establish Arabic language libraries, art works, book fairs and conferences, as well as to proposing agreements and partnerships for Department of Culture and Tourism approval.

The centre will work on enhancing the use of Arabic language in artificial intelligence and modern industry technologies, to prepare specialised encyclopedias and dictionaries, in addition to organising and supporting local and international prizes focused on the enhancement of the language.

The centre will be responsible for preparing reports about Arabic content and spreading awareness initiatives to support language development Statement