Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre Announces Integrated Programmes for Arabic Language Development
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 25th November 2020: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi today announced its integrated programmes for Arabic language development and modernisation, featuring a number of initiatives designed to achieve Arabic language leadership in culture, knowledge, creativity and education, and to foster Arabic content creation and scientific research. The Centre is also responsible for recommending policies and frameworks that support the adoption of Arabic in public and private sector business operations.
Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre was established to promote the adoption of the Arabic language, foster its modernisation, and address several challenges associated with its learning, out of Abu Dhabi’s unwavering determination to sustain the global status of the language. The Centre’s strategic plan was launched pursuant to the review and approval of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office.
The Centre’s strategic plan and programmes were officially announced at a virtual press conference held on Tuesday, 24 November 2020, during which HE Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, and HE Abdullah Majid Abdullah al Ali, Acting Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre outlined the four strategic objectives of the Centre, which are: growing the passion, adoption, and proficiency in the Arabic language locally; promoting the Arabic language globally as a language of knowledge, culture and creativity; enabling Arabic language content and technology creation and promotion; and enabling and fostering Arabic language development and modernisation research.
The Centre’s logo mark, also featured during the press conference, is an artistic representation of the Arabic letter ‘Ayn’, recreated using seven horizontal lines that represent the seven emirates of the UAE, stretching into three folds that bring the total number of lines to 28, representing the letters of the Arabic alphabet.
The challenges associated with Arabic language learning and development in the digital age underscore the importance of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the crucial responsibilities it assumes, which extend to cover such vital areas as education, scientific research and culture. Addressing these challenges, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre has enlisted global expertise to develop 10 programmes tackling various functional areas, including Zayed Poetry Encyclopaedia, the Global Arabic Proficiency Exam, Arabic on the World Stage programme, and the Arabic Book programme.
The Centre will work to achieve its four strategic goals through the 10 programmes, as well as through partnerships with prestigious academic and cultural institutions, and ongoing work with all target segments, including children, youth, students, scholars, academics, Arabic language specialists, linguists, artists, researchers, innovators in various fields, Arabic language enthusiasts around the world, Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking alike. Working with these groups, the Centre will study the current status of the Arabic language in different fields and take the necessary measures to improve it.
In his statement, HE Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: “The United Arab Emirates continues to lead on all fronts, through innovative programmes and initiatives. Today, we take great pride in hosting a new bastion of knowledge in Abu Dhabi: the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, the world’s foremost institution working to develop and modernise the language in method and function, enriching the Arabic language’s contributions in science, knowledge, culture, entertainment and education, for Arabic speakers and non-speakers.”
Moving to comment on the Centre’s programmes, His Excellency said: “We’re working with linguists and educators to develop a modern Arabic language proficiency test for beginners and professionals alike, at a level that qualifies it for accreditation by the world’s top educational and employment institutions. The new test will be designed to accurately measure the proficiency of non-Arabic speakers, thus enabling them to study in the Arabic language and occupy positions where Arabic language proficiency is an eligibility criterion.”
HE Abdullah Majid al Ali, Actin Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, talked about the ongoing work at the Centre to launch the programmes, saying: “We’re working to ensure the timely execution of the Centre’s strategic plans and programmes, with the goal of making Abu Dhabi the world’s first and foremost destination for Arabic language learning.”
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre additionally fosters Arab talent and content creation through several initiatives, in addition to supporting publishing, writing, translation, and scientific research. Furthermore, the Centre’s efforts in the field of education are epitomised by a dedicated curriculum modernisation programme that ensures the adoption of modern pedagogical practices and the integration of technology into the learning process. The Centre will additionally support academic and scientific research with comprehensive grant schemes.
