Agreement aims to design and implement joint projects to promote the mastery
and use of the Arabic language

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Culture and Youth at the inaugural Arabic Language Summit, which is taking place under the theme ‘Bridging Cultures. Connecting Civilizations’ at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The MoU aims to align all local and federal entities in the UAE to develop projects and initiatives that expand the use of the Arabic language. The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, and ALC Chairman His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim during the two-day summit held on December 19 and 20, 2021.

The partnership aims to develop innovative frameworks for cooperation between the Centre and the Ministry on projects to support the Arabic language in the UAE and worldwide. It also seeks to facilitate collaboration on research into the current status of the Arabic language, as well as ways to enhance its global prominence among other languages ​​and in various sectors.

The MoU will see the two entities coordinate efforts to support teaching and learning the Arabic language; design and implement research projects; and collaborate more closely to compile and issue the UAE National Reading Index, in collaboration with other relevant entities.

The agreement also called for the formation of a joint committee to propose policies and legislation before the Advisory Council for the Arabic Language – a subsidiary of the Prime Minister’s Office and the competent authority to discuss such policies and support efforts to guard the advancements made by the Arabic language. The Council is tasked with coordinating federal entities and private institutions in the emirate.

Other areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU include coordinating efforts to organise conferences, events, and seminars that centre around the Arabic language, such as the Arabic Language Summit. The two entities also pledged to collaborate on supporting cultural and educational activities and campaigns, conducting studies into Emirati literature, publishing educational and translated works, and expanding the digital infrastructure for both parties’ projects. Furthermore, the Centre and the Ministry will work together to design and support the Arabic Language Proficiency Test for both native and non-native speakers.

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre strives to promote the Arabic language and advance its standing through strategies designed to develop the language and encourage its use in scientific, educational, cultural, and creative sectors. The ALC aims to facilitate intercultural communication and promote the mastery of the Arabic language domestically and internationally, in addition to supporting Arab talents in writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, audio-visual content creation, and the organisation of book fairs.

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