Latest news with #InternationalMotherLanguageDay
Mid East Info
27-02-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Statement by H.E. Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, SLC Secretary General, on International Mother Language Day 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
'International Mother Language Day offers a valuable opportunity to highlight the crucial role that mother languages play in shaping cultural identity, preserving collective memory, and safeguarding heritage, while also highlighting the achievements and contributions of civilisations. As our mother language, Arabic holds profound significance in the United Arab Emirates, reflecting our national identity and cultural heritage while embodying a deep sense of loyalty to the legacy of our forefathers. The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the use of Arabic through various initiatives aimed at raising awareness of its importance, celebrating Arabic literature, and encouraging research and innovation related to our mother language. At the Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai (SLC), we recognise the importance of preserving our mother language as the cornerstone of our cultural and social identity. We are dedicated to implementing initiatives that ensure the precise and proper use of Arabic, showcasing its richness and profound civilisational significance. On International Mother Language Day 2025, we express our deep pride in our language and reaffirm our commitment to promoting its use within our workplace and legislative framework. The eloquence and unique capacity of Arabic to articulate legislative intent and convey complex legal concepts with precision and accuracy make it an indispensable tool in our legal and legislative system.'
Saudi Gazette
22-02-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia gifts artistic painting to UN in Geneva to mark International Mother Language Day
Saudi Gazette report GENEVA — Saudi Arabia unveiled an artistic painting at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, reinforcing its commitment to promoting the Arabic language on a global ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, Secretary General of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khathila, Saudi Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Geneva Office, along with several officials and initiative is part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to enhance the international status of the Arabic language, recognizing the UN's role in fostering project was carried out through close collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, the Saudi Permanent Mission to the UN, and various international organizations in Arabia's Permanent Representative to the UN emphasized that strengthening cooperation with international organizations to advance the Arabic language aligns with the directives of the Kingdom's leadership. He highlighted that Arabic is one of the six official UN languages, playing a crucial role in global diplomacy, cultural diversity, and civilizational dialogue.
Gulf Insider
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Announces Mandatory Arabic Lessons For Children Under 6 At Private Schools
Dubai has introduced new rules making Arabic education mandatory for children under six at private schools and education centres. Under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced the new policy aimed at enhancing Arabic language education in early childhood education. The policy is designed to provide children with the opportunity to develop their Arabic language skills from an early age, making Arabic learning both fun and culturally enriching. The new policy mandates Arabic language education for children from birth to six years at all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai. This initiative aims to strengthen the use of Arabic language in schools and society, helping to foster a sense of pride in Emirati culture, language, and heritage. The policy is part of Loughat Al Daad, one of the 28 game changers under Dubai's Education 33 strategy. 'Daad' is a letter and sound unique to the Arabic language, and Loughat Al Daad translates to: 'the language of Daad'. Initiatives announced under Loughat Al Daad aim to strengthen Arabic language acquisition and nurture a deeper understanding of UAE culture and heritage. Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance Agency at KHDA said: 'Arabic is at the heart of the UAE's cultural identity, and it is essential that we instil a love for the language in all our children from the earliest stages of their education. 'By embedding Arabic language learning in early childhood, we ensure that all children – including Emirati, Arab, and non-native speakers – can immerse themselves in the language and culture of the UAE. 'This policy will help nurture confident, bilingual global citizens who carry the pride of their heritage while being prepared for the global community. 'Our goal is not only for Emirati and Arabic speaking children to embrace the language as their mother tongue, but for non-native speakers to also experience the richness of the UAE's culture and rich heritage from an early age. 'This will help them develop a strong connection to the country they are living in as they grow into well-rounded individuals who understand and respect the world around them.' The new policy encourages a play-based, inquiry-driven approach to Arabic teaching in early years, and requires schools and early childhood centres to offer a variety of language learning models to suit the needs of both native and non-native Arabic speakers. At least one-third of children's instructional time must include the presence of an Arabic teacher to engage children in interactive and culturally relevant activities. Schools and early childhood centres must also ensure that Arabic teachers have the right qualifications and are supported with professional development to enhance their skills. Parents must also be encouraged to support their children's language development, both at school and at home, through resources and strategies that foster Arabic language learning in everyday life. The policy will be phased in from September 2025, with phase one covering Arabic language education for children aged four to six years. More phases will be rolled out in the coming years and cover all children from birth to six years. Additionally, KHDA has also updated the requirements for the teaching of national mandatory subjects, including Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Moral Education from Grade 1/Year 2 to Grade 12/Year 13 in Dubai private schools. Updates include increased instructional time and changes in the language of instruction for Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Arabic for Arab students, and updates on UAE Social, Moral, and Cultural Studies for non-Arab students. These changes will come into effect from September 2025 for schools that start their academic year in September, and April 2026 for schools that start their academic year in April.
Arabian Business
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Arabian Business
Dubai announces mandatory Arabic lessons for children under 6 at private schools
Dubai has introduced new rules making Arabic education mandatory for children under six at private schools and education centres. Under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced the new policy aimed at enhancing Arabic language education in early childhood education. The policy is designed to provide children with the opportunity to develop their Arabic language skills from an early age, making Arabic learning both fun and culturally enriching. Arabic lessons in Dubai The new policy mandates Arabic language education for children from birth to six years at all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai. This initiative aims to strengthen the use of Arabic language in schools and society, helping to foster a sense of pride in Emirati culture, language, and heritage. The policy is part of Loughat Al Daad, one of the 28 game changers under Dubai's Education 33 strategy. 'Daad' is a letter and sound unique to the Arabic language, and Loughat Al Daad translates to: 'the language of Daad'. Initiatives announced under Loughat Al Daad aim to strengthen Arabic language acquisition and nurture a deeper understanding of UAE culture and heritage. Fatma Belrehif, CEO of the Education Quality Assurance Agency at KHDA said: 'Arabic is at the heart of the UAE's cultural identity, and it is essential that we instil a love for the language in all our children from the earliest stages of their education. 'By embedding Arabic language learning in early childhood, we ensure that all children – including Emirati, Arab, and non-native speakers – can immerse themselves in the language and culture of the UAE. 'This policy will help nurture confident, bilingual global citizens who carry the pride of their heritage while being prepared for the global community. 'Our goal is not only for Emirati and Arabic speaking children to embrace the language as their mother tongue, but for non-native speakers to also experience the richness of the UAE's culture and rich heritage from an early age. 'This will help them develop a strong connection to the country they are living in as they grow into well-rounded individuals who understand and respect the world around them.' The new policy encourages a play-based, inquiry-driven approach to Arabic teaching in early years, and requires schools and early childhood centres to offer a variety of language learning models to suit the needs of both native and non-native Arabic speakers. At least one-third of children's instructional time must include the presence of an Arabic teacher to engage children in interactive and culturally relevant activities. Schools and early childhood centres must also ensure that Arabic teachers have the right qualifications and are supported with professional development to enhance their skills. Parents must also be encouraged to support their children's language development, both at school and at home, through resources and strategies that foster Arabic language learning in everyday life. The policy will be phased in from September 2025, with phase one covering Arabic language education for children aged four to six years. More phases will be rolled out in the coming years and cover all children from birth to six years. Additionally, KHDA has also updated the requirements for the teaching of national mandatory subjects, including Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Moral Education from Grade 1/Year 2 to Grade 12/Year 13 in Dubai private schools. Updates include increased instructional time and changes in the language of instruction for Islamic Education, Social Studies, and Arabic for Arab students, and updates on UAE Social, Moral, and Cultural Studies for non-Arab students. These changes will come into effect from September 2025 for schools that start their academic year in September, and April 2026 for schools that start their academic year in April.
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-02-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Gifts Artwork to UN on International Mother Language Day
Saudi Arabia unveiled on Friday artwork it gifted to the United Nations on the occasion of International Mother Language Day at its headquarters in Geneva. The ceremony was attended by Secretary General of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, Saudi Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khathila, Director-General of the UN Geneva Office Tatiana Valovaya, and several officials. The initiative is part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to promote and disseminate the Arabic language on a global scale, acknowledging the UN's role in fostering multilingualism. The aim is to strengthen the international status of the Arabic language through close collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the UN, and various international organizations in Geneva. The Saudi permanent ambassador said that boosting collaboration with international organizations to promote the Arabic language and reinforce its global status aligns with the directives of the wise Saudi leadership. Arabic is one of the six official languages recognized by the UN and its specialized agencies worldwide, he noted, underscoring its importance in the international arena and supporting efforts to deepen cultural diversity and global civilizational dialogue. The fruitful collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the UN highlights the strong partnership between both sides across various domains, fostering dialogue and promoting cultural diversity on a global scale.
