The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in line with its efforts to advance the status of the Arabic language in scientific domains and its strategic objectives to strengthen cultural and intellectual dialogue.
Signed by His Excellency Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of ALC, and His Excellency Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, at MBRSC’s headquarters in Dubai, the MoU will see the two entities strengthen cooperation and collaborate to enhance the exchange of knowledge between them, implement projects, programmes, and initiatives related to their fields of specialty, and publish a book documenting the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s establishment of the UAE’s in the space exploration club with landmark achievements and missions that serve humanity.
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre appreciates the significance of the UAE taking the lead in space exploration in the Arab region, and under the terms of the MoU will work to bridge the gap between what has been achieved on the ground and the ability to express it in Arabic, thus helping restore the language’s prominence in space sciences and astronomy.
"This partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre will contribute to our ongoing efforts to support the use of the Arabic language in modern scientific disciplines and enhance Arabic-language scientific content in the fields of advanced technologies, most notably space sciences", said HE Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji. "We aim to provide a practical example of the Arabic language’s ability to accommodate contemporary sciences, accurately and eloquently communicating the developments and achievements made in various scientific disciplines, especially the vital space sector, where the UAE is leading the Arab world".
"Producing a book about MBRSC’s endeavours is a valuable opportunity to bring this experience closer to new generations by using innovative methods that embrace the aesthetics of the Arabic language to spark their imagination. It will introduce them to the Space Centre’s significant scientific achievements and enable them to think in their native language about all things related to the scientific and intellectual issues of their time".
Under the terms of the MoU, the ALC seeks to document the UAE’s space experience, where the UAE is the fifth nation to reach Mars and the tenth country to succeed in spacewalk missions, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
For his part, HE Salem Humaid Al Marri said: "At the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, we have always prioritised making our work accessible in Arabic and engaging to Arabic-speaking audiences. Our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre will further enhance our ongoing commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of space sciences within the Arab world and beyond".
"We believe that by enriching Arabic-language content in the fields of science and technology, we can inspire a new generation of Arab youth to pursue careers in STEM fields and contribute to a knowledge-based economy", HE Al Marri continued. "This partnership is a shared vision to empower our community, elevate the role of Arabic in scientific discourse, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in both space exploration and cultural preservation".
Under the MoU, which covers a period of three years, the two entities will establish a robust framework to enhance knowledge exchange and participation in each other’s annual events, most notably the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), in addition to weighing opportunities for collaboration in publishing and cultural production. Moreover, the MoU calls for cooperation in organising joint workshops and training sessions and establishing a platform for showcasing the ALC’s books at the MBRSC, sharing scientific expertise, developing human resources, and organising the two entities’ schedule for participating in international events.
