As part of its wider efforts to promote the Arabic language as a meaningful intercultural dialogue, highlighting its status as one of the world’s key languages of communication, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre pursues its efforts in line with the UAE’s vision that prioritises language as a bridge towards knowledge and a message of peace that transcends borders.
The journey begins in the City of Light, Paris, and concludes in the Arabian Days Festival, an annual event that celebrates the conclusion of the ALC’s international events programme in a celebration that highlights Arab heritage, enriching UNESCO’s efforts to celebrate World Arabic Language Day.
In between the two milestone events, the Centre will take part in activities across various countries, including France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Germany, Japan, and Kuwait. The agenda features a wide array of activities, from international book fairs and conferences on library and information science, to seminars and panel discussion on the aesthetics of the Arabic language. These activities are a continuation of the ALC’s ongoing efforts to promote the Arabic language across the globe and encourage constructive cross-cultural interaction.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “The greatest contribution that any civilisation can give to the world is the ability to open doors for dialogue, build bridges among nations, and leave a lasting, positive mark on the world.”
“Communication is an indispensable instrument for sustaining this path,” H.E. bin Tamim added. “And with that in mind, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is committed to participating in a wide variety of international events, including scientific conferences, seminars, book fairs, cultural and artistic festivals, hosted by leading international institutions that share our belief in language as a unique expression of culture and identity, a means for celebrating cultural diversity, and a tool for fostering dialogue to drive progress across communities.”
A global representation of the Arabic language
On 12 July and in collaboration with the Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe) in Paris, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre will represent the Arabic language, selected as Guest of Honour for the 79th edition of the Avignon Festival, which concludes on 26 July.
The Centre’s participation is a musical homage titled ‘Voice of Women: An Ode to the Star of the East, Umm Kulthum’, to be held at the Cour d'honneur of the Palais des Papes on 14 July, commemorating 50 years since the passing of the legendary Egyptian songstress and icon of Arabic music, Umm Kulthum, who added to the grace of Arabic language and culture with her timeless art.
The following day on 15 July, Lycée Saint-Joseph Courtyard will host a second artistic activity titled ‘Noor: A Poetic and Musical Celebration of the Arabic Language’, featuring poets and musicians who compose in the Arabic language and communicate its rich cultural heritage in modern and artistic forms of expression.
From Europe and the Avignon Festival, the ALC moves on to Asia to represent the Arabic language at the Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, which runs until mid-October. As part of UNESCO’s project commemorating 100 years of Arabic-language public education in Japan, the Centre will organise a two-day programme at the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka with an aim to promote Arabic language and culture globally. The event will include presentations of research papers that highlight the historical development and current state of Arabic language instruction in the country, along with a panel discussion examining the broader international context of Arabic language instruction and learning.
These two high-level engagements in France and Japan underscore the ALC’s success in establishing long-term institutional partnerships and highlighting Abu Dhabi’s pioneering role in shaping the Arab creative and cultural industries. Both participations are expected to open new avenues for collaboration with Japanese and French cultural institutions within the broader Arab creative economy.
Distinctive events and engagements
The Centre’s itinerary includes additional participations, notably the 12th Annual International Conference on Library and Information Science in Greece (28-31 July); World Library and Information Congress in Kazakhstan (18-22 August); Conference of the Special Libraries Association – Arabian Gulf Chapter in Saudi Arabia (16-18 September); Indonesia International Book Fair (24-28 September); Riyadh International Book Fair (2-11 October); Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany (15-19 October); Kuwait International Book Fair (20-30 November); and Jeddah Book Fair in Saudi Arabia (12-22 December).
Arabian Days: Heritage with a contemporary spirit
Also taking place in December is the third edition of the Arabian Days Festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre in conjunction with UNESCO’s celebration of World Arabic Language Day. Now a main staple in Abu Dhabi’s thriving cultural calendar, the festival is designed to inspire audiences, redefine perceptions of the Arabic language, and assert its role as a modern and innovative language.
Every year, the festival reflects UNESCO’s chosen theme in an exceptional celebration that highlights the richness and diversity of Arabic language and culture, showcasing its heritage, significance, and future prospects in literature, poetry, creative arts, science, and daily life.
