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Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE: More Arabic AI models needed to preserve cultural identity, says UAE official
As the global AI race heats up, the UAE is making a strategic push to ensure that the Arabic language isn't left behind. A top official at the 23rd Arab Media Summit (AMS) in Dubai stressed the urgent need for more Arabic-focused artificial intelligence models to safeguard cultural identity and empower future generation. 'The integration of Arabic into AI isn't optional , it's essential for preserving who we are,' said Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University. 'Language is not just a means of communication, it's the environment of thought. If we want our future generations to retain their cultural identity, Arabic must be embedded in our AI systems and educational tools.' Earlier this month, the UAE launched a new Arabic language AI model. Falcon Arabic, developed by Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), that aims to capture the full linguistic diversity of the Arab world through a high-quality native (non-translated) Arabic dataset. This year's three-day summit, which began in Dubai on Monday, will bring together top media figures, policymakers, and cultural influencers from across the Arab world and beyond, to discuss challenges and transformations in the media and education sectors. Cultural bridges Nusseibeh, a key figure in the establishment of major Western academic institutions in the UAE such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi, emphasised that the goal was never to import foreign models blindly, but to create cultural bridges. 'The idea behind bringing global universities here was to expose Arab youth to global education while preserving their identity,' he explained. 'French was the language of Sorbonne, English for the American University, but the cultural environment has always remained Arab.' Elias Bou Saab, Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and Executive Vice President of the American University in Dubai, who took the stage in the session with Nusseibeh, added: 'Western institutions in the UAE should be seen as bridges, not branches,' he said. ' The UAE model proves you can adopt international standards without compromising your roots.' Both Nusseibeh and BouSaab stressed the urgency of anchoring modern education in Arabic language and culture. 'In this digital age, it's easy for young Arabs to become detached from their heritage,' Nusseibeh warned. 'It is the responsibility of parents, educators, and policymakers to ensure that Arabic remains central, even in tech-driven educational environments.' Leading in gamification, digial storytelling Highlighting the rapid evolution of media education in the country, Bou Saab noted that universities in the UAE are taking the lead in fields like gamification and digital storytelling. 'The American University in Dubai, in partnership with the University of Southern California, was among the first to introduce gaming into media studies,' he said. He added that today's students are not just consuming content, they're creating it. 'With AI and digital platforms, anyone can become a content creator. That's why our curricula must adapt to teach ethical responsibility, fact-checking, and cultural context.' The UAE's early investment in culture and education has made it a regional model for transformation. 'When Sheikh Zayed founded UAE University in 1976, some advisors told him it wasn't a priority,' Nusseibeh recalled. 'Today, it ranks among the top universities in the Arab world, and is on its way to breaking into the global top 200.' With over 80,000 graduates now contributing across the public and private sectors, UAE University reflects the country's broader vision: to blend global excellence with Arab authenticity. 'In everything from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to Sorbonne University to the Falcon AI model, the UAE is showing the world that cultural confidence and global ambition are not mutually exclusive,' said Nusseibeh.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Forbes
The Future Of Arabic Language Learning Through EdTech
Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO of Alef Education . getty Arabic is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with over 400 million speakers. Historically, it has played a significant role in religious, literary and academic traditions. However, in an increasingly interconnected world, proficiency in the Arabic language has become a sought-after skill among non-native speakers. You might be surprised to hear that Arabic is one of the most studied languages in Western countries. Why? Well, a mix of reasons. The Middle East's geopolitical significance, economic opportunities in Arab countries, the region's rise as a major tourism hub and a desire to engage with rich cultural and religious traditions. Additionally, language mastery opens new doors to careers in international organizations, media, academia and trade, making Arabic a valuable asset for global professionals. This trend has been further amplified with governments and private organizations, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, pushing hard to promote Arabic learning by integrating it more deeply into everyday life and enhancing its global relevance. However, learning Arabic presents unique challenges due to its intricate script, diverse dialects and complex grammar. To bridge this gap, innovative language learning methodologies as well as integration of technology, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data, are essential. Despite the increasing demand for Arabic learning, non-native speakers face multiple challenges. One of the most significant obstacles is the complexity of the Arabic language itself. Its intricate script and right-to-left writing system can be difficult for learners unfamiliar with Semitic languages. Additionally, Arabic grammar and morphology, including root-based word structures, verb conjugations and case endings, present another layer of complexity. Another challenge is the linguistic diversity within Arabic itself. Many learners struggle with deciding whether to focus on MSA or a regional dialect, which impacts their ability to communicate effectively in real-world scenarios. Additionally, technology-based Arabic learning still faces challenges. This study highlights issues such as inconsistent content quality, unreliable internet access and a lack of social interaction. Furthermore, many Arabic language programs lack structured curricula, and educators often struggle to provide engaging and efficient instruction. A lack of native-speaking practice partners and interactive learning environments also hinders language acquisition. Edtech companies need to play a critical role in transforming Arabic language learning for non-native speakers by addressing these challenges through technology-driven solutions. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and data analytics, we can create personalized, adaptive learning experiences that cater to different proficiency levels and learning styles. According to a study by Rani, Zikriati, Muhammady, Syukran and Ali, technology-enabled Arabic language learning offers numerous benefits that enhance the quality of education. Therefore, there is a need to further enhance these tools by investing in advanced AI-driven platforms that offer personalized exercises, real-time feedback and targeted practice to enhance learning efficiency. We must also focus on further developing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, which can create engaging, real-life scenarios that allow learners to practice Arabic in a simulated environment. These tools can help non-native speakers develop practical conversational skills and build confidence in using the language in everyday situations. Balancing MSA with regional dialects is another key area where edtech can make a difference. Digital platforms can offer courses that seamlessly integrate both forms of Arabic, providing learners with a well-rounded linguistic foundation. Interactive voice recognition software can help learners improve pronunciation while distinguishing between formal and colloquial speech. Besides technological advancements, collaboration between edtech companies and educators is essential in refining digital tools and curricula. Gathering feedback from teachers and learners will help create more effective resources that address common learning obstacles. By leveraging AI, data analytics and virtual classrooms, Arabic language learning can become more accessible, efficient and appealing to global learners. Additionally, social media applications such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram and YouTube can serve as informal learning tools, fostering language practice through real-life interactions and digital communities. There are podcasts such as Simple & Easy Arabic or Arabic in 60 Steps , which can further enhance listening comprehension, vocabulary expansion and exposure to current events in the Arabic-speaking world. As Arabic continues to gain prominence on the global stage, the need for effective and innovative language-learning solutions is greater than ever. Addressing the barriers through technology and adaptive learning strategies will ensure that Arabic language learning becomes more accessible to non-native speakers. By investing in edtech advancements, cultural initiatives and structured curricula, we can contribute to shaping a future where Arabic is not only preserved but thrives as a key language in global communication, commerce and diplomacy. 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