Arabic Language Academy: Sharjah Ruler Receives Beirut Founding Delegation
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, used a meeting with Lebanese academics to underline long-term plans to protect and promote the Arabic language. The discussion focused on cooperation between the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy and the newly established Arabic Language Academy in Beirut.
During the talks at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in University City, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan stressed the need for continuous coordination between Arabic language academies across the Arab region. He said such links support documentation, research, publishing and cultural exchange, while also helping to spread knowledge about the language to wider communities.
The Ruler of Sharjah outlined how the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy works with institutions in the Arab world, as well as partners in Europe and Africa. He explained that these partnerships help encourage younger generations to engage with Arabic, support specialised research, and strengthen the language’s position in science, education and broader intellectual fields.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan highlighted that joint programmes, cultural events and shared publications are central to the Academy’s mission. Such activities are designed to document the language, encourage new writing, and ensure that Arabic remains present in contemporary academic discussions. He reaffirmed that Sharjah will continue supporting academies that share these goals.
The delegation from the Arabic Language Academy in Beirut, led by Dr Emile Badi Yaqub and Dr Rashid Darbas, briefed H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan on the progress of the new institution. The Academy in Beirut is working in cooperation with Sharjah and has now started its official programmes in language, literature and cultural studies.
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan welcomed the delegation and congratulated members on establishing the Beirut Academy and launching its work. He praised Lebanon’s deep heritage in Arabic culture and literature, and noted the influence of Lebanese scholars and writers in different creative and artistic fields across the Arab world and beyond.
The visiting founders thanked the Ruler of Sharjah for consistent backing of Arabic language academies in Lebanon and other countries. They said this support enabled broad projects in language, literature and the arts, and encouraged many writers and researchers to publish. They pointed to the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language as a major lexicographical achievement for the Arab world.
At the end of the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan received a commemorative shield from the Lebanese delegation, along with several books by members of the Academy. The visit concluded with group photographs, reflecting the shared commitment of Sharjah and Beirut institutions to advancing Arabic language studies and cultural cooperation.
With inputs from WAM
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