RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is marking World Arabic Language Day 2025 with a series of cultural, educational and academic initiatives across the Kingdom and abroad, reinforcing its commitment to promoting Arabic as a language of heritage, innovation and global communication.
Celebrated annually on Dec. 18, World Arabic Language Day commemorates the adoption of Arabic as the sixth official language of the UN in 1973.
This year’s global observance is held under the theme “Innovative Pathways for Arabic: Policies and Practices for a More Inclusive Linguistic Future,” highlighting the role of education, media, technology and public policy in shaping accessible and dynamic uses of the language.
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language launched its World Arabic Language Day celebrations earlier this month at the UN’s headquarters in New York City.
Held from Dec. 2 to 4 and sponsored by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the event reflected the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting Arabic and strengthening its status as an official UN language.
Organized in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s permanent mission to the UN, the celebration featured cultural and interactive programs showcasing the beauty, history and global influence of Arabic.
As part of its annual campaign, the academy also released the fifth edition of its digital toolkit, “Proud of It,” providing government entities, private institutions and individuals with digital content to enrich nationwide celebrations.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, spoke to Arab News about how language is an integral part of the strength of national identity.
He said that the academy has programs and initiatives in more than 60 countries, working in partnership with more than 10 international organizations in education, linguistic computing, cultural content and language policies.
“The academy works to target diverse groups, starting with children in their early learning, progressing through students and researchers, and reaching media outlets and institutions in their daily operations.
“This is an extension of our collective responsibility toward our Arabic language, which originated in our land, was spoken by our ancestors, and in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed. It is worthy of the concerted efforts of all institutions to preserve it.”
Yasser Al-Juwaisser, director of public relations and media at the academy, spoke about the events planned to mark the day, including an event with the League of Arab States.
Al-Juwaisser added that the academy has recently produced new lexicographical publications, such as the Dictionary of Financial and Economic Terms and the Dictionary of Behavioral Sciences.
In Riyadh, the General Department of Education is marking the occasion under the theme “We Take Pride in It.” Abdul Salam Al-Thumairi, spokesperson for Riyadh Education, said a comprehensive plan has been prepared featuring programs and activities designed to highlight the Kingdom’s role in serving Arabic through the education system.
He added that schools across the region will observe the day through educational events, classroom activities and school radio programs aimed at reinforcing students’ awareness of the Arabic language, its civilizational role and its esteemed status locally and internationally.
Meanwhile, the National Museum in Riyadh, in collaboration with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, is hosting a cultural program running until Dec. 20. The initiative includes intellectual dialogues exploring the human and cultural dimensions of Arabic, including sessions on traditional folk songs and the role of language in preserving heritage and linking crafts to the living culture of Saudi communities.
Visitors can also engage directly with authors through conversational-style book signings, while workshops and musical performances highlight the richness of traditional arts and crafts, offering an immersive cultural experience that blends knowledge, discovery and celebration.
The Islamic University of Madinah is also organizing a series of events under the theme “We Take Pride in It.” The program opened with a seminar titled “Deep-Rooted Origins and Global Horizons,” where academics discussed the cultural and civilizational significance of Arabic, its role in preserving identity in the digital age, and ways to leverage modern technologies in teaching the language.
An accompanying exhibition at Al-Salam Hall showcases student-created artworks and Arabic calligraphy, featuring Qur’anic verses, poetry and literary texts that reflect the language’s richness and diversity. The celebrations include competitions in poetry, public speaking and calligraphy, alongside contributions from academics and students of various nationalities.
