Sultan Bin Ahmed attends International Arabic language conference in Sharjah

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, attended the opening of the first Sharjah International Conference for the Arabic Language, which took place at the Al Razi Auditorium, Medical and Health Campus, on Wednesday morning.

The event was organised by the University of Sharjah, and it focused on the theme of "Prospects for Digital Transformation and Sustainability.”

During his speech, Dr Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Conference, expressed his gratitude to the President of the University of Sharjah for sponsoring the conference. He emphasised the importance of advancing the Arabic language, activating its significant role in understanding revelation, and preserving the nation's heritage, which is evident through the sponsorship.

Al Nuaimi also highlighted the University of Sharjah's interest in scientific research and knowledge circulation, particularly in the field of the Arabic language. He stated that this conference is a testament to the University's commitment to strengthening the Islamic and Arab identity of the nation through the continuous pursuit of teaching the Arabic language based on the latest curricula. Additionally, it explores the prospects for developing and sustaining the language's leadership in international language classifications, given the world's rapid developments.

The university Chancellor highlighted the importance of the university's role in not only identifying challenges but also finding innovative solutions to them. The aim is to achieve development that keeps up with the times and serves future generations. This requires the parallel development of curricula, methods, and tools to achieve a rich knowledge acquisition level in teaching, research, and community service.

Al Nuaimi acknowledged the significant efforts made by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, towards promoting the Arabic language. He praised him for his tireless work in harnessing material and moral resources to serve the language. His Highness Sheikh Sultan has elevated the status of the Arabic Language Academy and helped to issue its rich historical dictionary.

Al Nuaimi referred to the conference as an excellent global platform for exchanging innovative ideas and experiences. The conference aims to provide creative solutions to challenges faced by the Arabic language, particularly in the field of digitisation and computer technologies. The goal is to ensure the language's sustainability conditions. The scientists attending the conference present their research, which contributes to the conference's objectives and its virtuous message. Al Nuaimi also pointed out the University of Sharjah's prestigious status and its position as attested by international classifications and partnerships. The university has a clear edge in scientific research in terms of quantity, quality, and citation, with a wide reputation for sustainability.

The chancellor concluded his speech by thanking all those who contributed to the success of the conference, including specialised scientific and academic institutions, universities, and public figures from inside and outside the country.

Dr Zahia Ismail Al Salhi, who is the Acting Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, delivered a speech emphasising the significance of the conference. The conference was designed to address a crucial issue through research and study. This is particularly important in the current times when global languages are competing for dominance.

Dr Salhi highlighted that during the golden age of Islamic civilisation, the Arabic language was able to assimilate various other civilisations that existed simultaneously. Through this assimilation, it made itself a part of a single civilisation with a global vision and a humane perspective. This was the first time in history that such a thing had happened.

Dr Maryam Saeed Blajid, the Head of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, and the Head of the Conference Organising Committee, gave a welcoming speech to the attendees. She emphasised the importance of the conference, which derives from the excellence of the Arabic language and the necessity of studying it. She also highlighted the great efforts made by the Arabic Language Department at the University of Sharjah in teaching, planning, and presenting research and studies in various language fields. Moreover, she mentioned the department's contributions in postgraduate studies, literary competitions, seminars, scientific conferences, and workshops, which enrich the language through various activities.

The attendees and the President of the University of Sharjah viewed a video presentation covering the conference objectives, themes, prominent speakers, and attendees from different Arab countries.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured the speakers, participants, session directors, and conference sponsors.

The conference, which will hold 13 sessions over two days, will also discuss the development of the Arabic scientific language, the challenges of Arabisation and digitisation, the development of digital content for Arabic language curricula in light of sustainable development, the integration of efforts in planning and drawing up linguistic policies to confront challenges, and the study of knowledge integration between linguistics and other sciences.

WAM