Sharjah's Ruler Advocates for Beirut Arabic Language Academy Cooperation

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, reiterated Sharjah’s dedication to the Arabic language during a meeting with the founders of the Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Beirut. This meeting, held on Sunday at the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in University City, Sharjah, represents a significant move towards enhancing cultural and linguistic ties between Sharjah and Lebanon.

Leading the Lebanese delegation were Dr Emile Badi Yaqub and His Excellency Dr Rashid Darbas. Sheikh Sultan warmly welcomed them and congratulated the group on the successful launch of the Arabic Language Academy in Beirut, considering its partnership with Sharjah a beneficial and timely asset for the Arabic-speaking community.

During their discourse, Sheikh Sultan honored Lebanon’s historic and impactful contribution to the preservation and enhancement of Arabic culture and literature. He pointed to the country’s legacy of distinguished scholars, writers, and thinkers who have enriched Arabic creativity, arts, and intellectual discourse over the years. He placed his trust in the Beirut academy’s potential to uphold this legacy and actively foster the Arabic language’s usage.

His Highness also emphasized the necessity of coordinated efforts among Arabic language academies throughout the Arab world. This collaboration, he argued, aids in harmonizing initiatives related to documentation, publication, research, and cultural exchange, ensuring that the Arabic language progresses while still being rooted in its rich historical context.

The conversation also included insights into the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy’s outreach efforts across the Arab region, as well as in Europe and Africa. Sheikh Sultan remarked that continuous collaboration, shared projects, and joint publications are vital for engaging younger generations with the Arabic language and strengthening its presence in education, science, and knowledge.

Members of the Lebanese delegation expressed their gratitude for Sharjah’s unwavering support towards Arabic language initiatives, recognizing that its endeavors have led to significant projects that empower Arabic literature and arts while bolstering academic research and publishing efforts. They particularly highlighted the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language as a notable achievement with both regional and international importance.

The meeting concluded with His Highness receiving a commemorative shield from the Lebanese academy alongside several academic publications. Photographs capturing moments with the delegation reflected the cooperative spirit and shared cultural responsibility that defined the occasion.