In an age where languages constantly evolve and adapt, the preservation of linguistic heritage has become more important than ever. For the Arabic language, a beacon of rich history and cultural identity, this mission has been embraced with passion and foresight by the UAE, a nation that recognises its duty to protect the linguistic fabric of its past while ensuring it thrives in the future.

At the forefront of this effort is the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, which, through its multifaceted initiatives, acts as a bridge between the time-honoured traditions of Arabic and its modern-day applications. Beyond the simple mechanics of grammar and syntax, this award captures the essence of Arabic as a vessel of cultural, intellectual, and historical significance.

The recent eighth edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), honoured individuals, teams, and institutions that have made significant strides in promoting Arabic on a global scale. More than a recognition of achievement, the award reflects a deeper, strategic vision to embed the Arabic language in the hearts and minds of future generations.

Timeless heritage

The Arabic language stands as one of the oldest continuously used languages in the world, a living testament to the historical and cultural richness of the Arab world. For centuries, it has been the medium of great poetry, philosophy, science, and religion, deeply intertwined with the identity of its people. From the pre-Islamic poets who immortalised their tribes’ triumphs to the philosophers of the Islamic Golden Age who wrote groundbreaking treatises on mathematics and medicine, Arabic has always been more than just a language—it is a living narrative of civilisation.

However, in the rapidly changing world of today, where the dominance of other languages often overshadows regional dialects and indigenous tongues, the preservation of Arabic is not only an act of cultural conservation but also one of resilience. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award plays a crucial role in this, acting as both a safeguard and an innovator in the protection and promotion of the language.

Bridging the past and present

At the core of the award’s mission is the recognition that language is not static; it grows and adapts, much like the cultures it represents. As the world embraces technology, the award in its latest edition has presented awards to projects like the “Faseelh” initiative, which developed a smart application to facilitate the learning of Arabic. This is a significant step toward ensuring that Arabic remains relevant in the digital age. By promoting innovation, the award showcases that Arabic can both honour its past and engage with its future.

Moreover, the award’s focus on education and Arabization underscores the importance of the language as a tool for both personal and cultural empowerment. Initiatives like “The Global Curriculum Initiative for Teaching Arabic to Children in Early Education” demonstrate a commitment to embedding the language in the next generation, ensuring that Arabic will continue to be spoken and appreciated by future generations.

Reaching out

Beyond its linguistic contributions, Arabic has historically been a cultural bridge, facilitating dialogue and understanding between diverse civilisations. From the libraries of Baghdad that housed the collective knowledge of ancient civilisations to the contemporary translations of scientific literature, Arabic has been instrumental in the dissemination of knowledge across the world.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award highlights this tradition by celebrating initiatives like the “Simah Certificate” from France and the translation of the book “Biological Treatment of Sewage Water” from Palestine, further underscoring the role of Arabic as a medium of knowledge exchange in today’s globalised world.

Global appreciation

The growing global interest in Arabic, evidenced by the diverse participation in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, reflects a renewed appreciation for the language and its heritage. With the latest edition seeing participants from 65 countries, and registrations from regions as diverse as Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the award is successfully positioning Arabic as a global language of culture, intellect, and progress.

Each year, the award’s winners remind us that Arabic is not simply a relic of the past, but a vibrant language with the power to foster creativity, dialogue, and innovation. From media and education to technology and translation, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award is ensuring that Arabic remains a cornerstone of global culture.