H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah attended the opening of the third International Forum of Arabic Language Teachers, organized by the Sharjah Private Education Authority in collaboration with the Sharjah Education Academy. The event took place at the academy headquarters in University City, Sharjah, on Saturday.
Running until Sunday, the forum aims to present exceptional educational approaches in Arabic language instruction both locally and globally. It also explores the integration of technology and artificial intelligence into teaching, introducing innovative methodologies to enhance language education.
The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the UAE national anthem. Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of Sharjah Private Education Authority and President of Sharjah Education Academy, expressed her gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Sultan for honoring the event, which coincides with World Teachers’ Day. She praised his unwavering support for the Arabic language and its development.
During her speech, Dr. Al Hashemi announced the launch of the initiative “Passion for Arabic,” an educational approach for both native and non-native speakers, emphasizing the community’s deep-rooted passion for the language. She elaborated on how different Arabic letters symbolize inclusivity, loyalty, and a blend of traditional and modern educational tools aimed at sustaining a love for the Arabic language.
She also highlighted the achievements of Sharjah’s education sector, notably the positive outcomes of the standardized Arabic proficiency tests (TALA), where students in Sharjah’s private schools performed above average in reading and writing.
Additionally, the forum saw the launch of a digital Arabic library initiative, following the “Read, You’re in Sharjah” campaign by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. Dr. Al Hashemi also announced the new “Arabic Language Gem” award, part of the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, designed to promote Arabic learning across government and private schools.
The forum included a visual presentation titled “Our Roots Will Remain,” which emphasized H.H. Sheikh Sultan’s commitment to nurturing the Arabic language. Dr. Issa Saleh Al Hammadi, Director of the Educational Center for Gulf Arabic Language, discussed the critical importance of adapting Arabic education to technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, to overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities for language learning.
Dr. Al Hammadi highlighted the importance of Arabic in the digital era, stating that proficiency in Arabic provides a competitive advantage in AI-driven fields. He called for collaboration between institutions to incorporate AI into Arabic education, which could enhance vocabulary learning, performance, and educational outcomes.
The opening ceremony featured a performance by students from a French school, singing in Arabic to celebrate their love for the language and its rich literary heritage. Furthermore, Engineer Tariq Al Hammadi from Sharjah Private Education Authority introduced the “Stand Up for Teachers” card, an initiative aimed at recognizing and supporting teachers with benefits such as discounts on academic training, health insurance, and various services.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan also honored Dr. Diaa Al Kaabi from the University of Bahrain and Dr. Reema Al Kurdi from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia for their contributions to the forum. He toured a student exhibition showcasing creative works, including theater performances, poetry, and historical biographies, all part of the “Speaking in Arabic” program.
The forum’s extensive program includes workshops on integrating technology in education, innovative teaching strategies, and enhancing students’ language skills. It also features panel discussions on the future of Arabic language education in the digital age and the role of Arabic in preserving cultural identity among youth. A total of 33 workshops from schools in Sharjah and around the world are scheduled, with participation from educators, researchers, poets, and students, highlighting the importance of modern approaches to Arabic language education.
The event was attended by various officials, educators, and language experts.
