In an ever-evolving world, connected through globalization and technological advancement, the Arabic language stands as a vital link to the Arab world’s rich heritage, identity, and cultural and artistic legacy. Safeguarding this language is essential for preserving shared identity and values, not merely for communication but also for protecting Arab culture. Throughout the Arab world, impactful initiatives are striving to keep the Arabic language alive and vibrant for future generations. Here are six pioneering efforts to protect and promote Arabic, seamlessly blending modernity with deep-rooted traditions.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation established this award to strengthen the presence of Arabic and its role on both the regional and international stages. It acknowledges exceptional contributions that foster the development and dissemination of the Arabic language across various domains, including education, media, and technology. Featuring multiple categories such as Excellence in Education and Media, the award motivates individuals and institutions to innovate in promoting the language. Through this recognition, the initiative cultivates an environment that nurtures creativity and novel approaches, enhancing Arabic’s role in the contemporary world across diverse vital sectors and broadening its cultural and knowledge-based communication on a global scale.

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

Established by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, this center functions as a specialized platform to promote Arabic literature and develop translation and educational projects. It operates through a diverse range of initiatives, including grants, author support and translation projects, alongside programs that modernize and present Arabic content to appeal to readers from various cultural backgrounds. By connecting global audiences with Arab culture, the center enriches the Arabic language, ensuring it remains relevant to contemporary life while maintaining a strong international presence.

Kalima Translation Project

Overseen by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, the Kalima Translation Project aims to introduce global literature and prominent scientific and philosophical works to the Arab reader by translating them into Arabic. Launched in 2007 to address gaps in Arabic content, Kalima provides accurate, high-quality translations covering subjects such as humanities, social sciences, history, and classical and modern literature. To date, the project has delivered hundreds of translated books, significantly contributing to Arabic as a tool for intellectual engagement and cultural exchange, reinforcing its standing in global thought.

 King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Center for Arabic Language

Established in Saudi Arabia in 2012, this centre supports the Arabic language through comprehensive research projects and educational initiatives aimed at promoting its use and development in academic and international forums. The centre focuses on developing digital resources and advanced learning tools to facilitate Arabic learning for non-native speakers and enhance its use, in addition to creating dictionaries, language applications and academic publications. Through organising international conferences and exhibitions, the centre highlights modern challenges facing Arabic and explores ways to advance it, alongside offering training programmes for teachers and providing rich learning resources for students.

Arab Reading Challenge

Launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in 2015, the Arab Reading Challenge is the largest initiative of its kind to promote reading among Arab youth. Targeting students from grade one to grade twelve across over 20 Arab countries and foreign countries with Arab communities, the challenge encourages students to read 50 books in Arabic during the academic year, with participants summarising each book. The challenge is widely supported by schools, teachers, and libraries, which organise workshops and local competitions to prepare students for the finals. Winners are rewarded with financial and scholarship prizes, with special recognition for outstanding schools and supervisors.

Arabic Language Protection Law in the UAE

This legislation mandates the use of Arabic in official and public communications, ranging from government documents to signage, ensuring the language’s presence in daily life. It extends to private sectors offering public services, such as banks and insurance companies, and encompasses media and commercial advertising, thereby reinforcing Arabic’s presence across all facets of public life. By integrating Arabic into public domains and everyday communication, the law strengthens the connection between the language and cultural identity, preserving it as an essential element of expression and maintaining its status as the primary language in Emirati society.

 These initiatives serve as a foundational drive to preserve the Arabic language, from public policies to literature, and adapting to the digital age with all its challenges. Combined efforts ensure Arabic remains a thriving, evolving language rooted in tradition and aligned with the modern era’s continuous developments. These initiatives support the language’s sustainability, preserving its beauty, depth, and unique richness, connecting modern generations with a legacy that transcends time.