Celebrating the Arabic Language: Highlights from the 9th Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the ninth edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award was recently celebrated at a formal ceremony. This event, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, underscores the UAE’s dedication to preserving and enhancing the Arabic language as a vital aspect of cultural heritage.

A Commitment to Cultural Heritage

This year’s award reinforces the UAE’s unwavering commitment to promoting the Arabic language as a fundamental pillar of its cultural identity. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision is to empower Arabic and elevate its status on the global stage, making it not just a means of communication but a vital component of collective cultural identity.

Sheikha Latifa emphasized the richness and beauty of the Arabic language during her address, noting its importance as a bridge between generations. “The Arabic language carries a timeless legacy of wisdom,” she stated, highlighting the need for safeguarding this heritage amidst rapid technological changes. The Award aims to illuminate Arabic as a significant cultural and innovative tool, showcasing its role beyond mere expression.

Elevating Global Recognition

The extraordinary caliber of submissions this year exemplifies the growing global appreciation for the Arabic language. According to Sheikha Latifa, the increasing recognition of the award reflects a shared commitment among participants to navigate cultural landscapes through Arabic. This initiative serves as a reminder that the language is both a means of expression and a foundation for connecting cultures worldwide.

His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, echoed this sentiment. He pointed out that the Award exemplifies Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of not only promoting the Arabic language but also fostering excellence across various fields such as education, technology, and media. The continuous commitment to creativity and innovation in language initiatives remains pivotal.

Expanding Horizons: International Participation

Significantly, this edition of the Award received entries from individuals and institutions spanning 65 countries, showcasing an expanding global interest in the Arabic language. His Excellency Bilal Al Budoor, Secretary-General of the Award, highlighted that international participation signifies a deeper awareness of Arabic’s cultural significance as a bridge between civilizations. The entries received illustrated a commendable dedication to preserving Arabic and enhancing its role in modern society.

Award Winners Across Categories

The ceremony honored winners across various categories, reflecting extraordinary efforts in teaching, technology, media, and cultural initiatives related to Arabic.

Education Category

• Best Way to Teach and Learn Arabic in Early Education: Anisa Alif (UAE)
• Best Initiative to Teach Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Faseeh Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers (Jordan)
• Best Initiative for Teaching Arabic in School Education: Abjadiyat (UAE)

Technology Category

• Best Initiative for Learning and Publishing Arabic on Social Media: Ataalam app (Lebanon)
• Best Development and Publishing of Arabic Digital Content: Arabee Tools (Palestine)

Media and Communication Category

• Best Work in Arabic Language in Electronic Media: Majarra app (UAE)

Linguistic Policy, Planning, and Arabisation Category

• Best Localisation Project: Translation of Good Governance of Antimicrobial Use (Egypt)

Culture, Intellectual, and Knowledge Society Category

• Best Artistic Contribution to Arabic Culture: Student Behaviour Management Plays (Values and Principles) (Oman)
• Best Initiative to Encourage Reading Culture: Arabian Days Festival (Ayyam Arabia) (UAE)
• Distinguished Global Personality Award: Adiba Romero Sánchez (Spain)

The education sector attracted the highest number of nominations, underscoring the significant role of language instruction worldwide.

Supporting Cultural Innovation

With a total prize fund of AED2.8 million (approximately USD 770,000) distributed among winners, this Award encourages competitive projects that celebrate and innovate within the realm of the Arabic language. Since its inception, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award has honored over 80 winners globally, contributing to a flourishing ecosystem that supports meaningful linguistic initiatives.

As Dubai positions itself as a hub of cultural innovation and intellectual exchange, the Award stands as a testament to the belief that language serves as the cornerstone of sustainable development and cultural evolution. Through these initiatives, the emirate reinforces its commitment to connecting the Arabic language with the future, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.