Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award Ceremony Celebrates Contributions To Arabic Language At International Conference

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrated its eighth edition winners. Organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other dignitaries. The award honours exceptional contributions to promoting and preserving the Arabic language worldwide.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised the importance of initiatives that support the Arabic language. She stated: "The Arabic language is an essential component of society’s cognitive and cultural identity and stands as one of the most prominent pillars of global culture." Her Highness highlighted the award's role in enhancing the language's stature both locally and globally.

The award recognises achievements across various categories, including education and technology. In education, Egypt's ‘The Global Curriculum Initiative for Teaching Arabic to Children in Early Education’ won for early education efforts. The Dar Academies project in the UAE was honoured for its balanced literacy approach in school education from grades one to twelve.

In technology, The Netherlands' ‘Faseelh’ initiative received recognition as the Best Smart Application for Arabic Language and Its Dissemination. These awards highlight innovative approaches to teaching and spreading the Arabic language through modern means.

The Media and Communication segment saw UAE's ‘Ghaidh Min Fayd’ win Best Work in Arabic Media. The UK-based Our Family Educational Channel was awarded for excellence in electronic media and social media channels. These accolades underscore the role of media in promoting Arabic language use.

Cultural contributions were also celebrated, with Lebanon's ‘Opera of Antar and Abla’ winning Best Cultural or Artistic Work in Service of the Arabic Language. The Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural Centre from the UAE was recognised for promoting a reading culture through its initiative ‘Knowledge Seekers Are Not Halted by Crises.’

Global Participation and Impact

This year's edition saw a 76% increase in entries compared to last year, marking it as the highest since 2014. Participants came from 65 countries, with notable first-time entries from nations like Mexico, Norway, and South Korea. This expansion highlights growing global interest in Arabic language initiatives.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr remarked on this growth: "Since the award’s inception, our mission has been to raise awareness of the Arabic language's significance." He expressed gratitude to contributors who have helped shape a promising future for this ancient language.

Statistics Reflecting Enthusiasm

The award received entries predominantly from individuals, accounting for 93% of submissions. The education category attracted 53% of all entries, indicating strong interest in educational projects related to Arabic. This enthusiasm reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge about this rich linguistic heritage.

Bilal Al Budoor noted: "The diversity and creativity evident in the submitted projects reflect the true depth and richness of the Arabic language." He emphasised how these efforts contribute to fostering communication among cultures globally.

Acknowledging Excellence

The award has distributed nearly AED2.8 million ($770,000) across its categories over eight editions. More than 60 winners have been recognised for their contributions to advancing Arabic through education, technology, media, linguistic policy, planning, Arabization, culture, intellect, and knowledge society.

This initiative continues to play a vital role in preserving and promoting Arabic as a cornerstone of Arab identity while enhancing its global appeal.

With inputs from WAM