The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Society for the Protection of Arabic Language, aimed at encouraging communities to participate in promoting national identity, and strengthen their association with the Arabic language, in implementation of the Arabic language charter initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to develop Arabic language affiliation and encourage its use in all areas of life.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has emphasised the need to achieve the strategic goals in line with the U.A.E. Vision 2021, and its future aspirations, which stipulates that the Arabic language should regain its position as a vital and dynamic language to be used in all areas to express Islamic and Arabic values of the nation.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak also said that the U.A.E. hopes to become a centre of excellence for Arabic, hosting scientists and researchers, supporting the use of authentic Arabic, and translating international literary and scientific works into Arabic. The Minister added that sustainability of the Arabic language and Arab identity is a top priority for the country.
The MoU stipulates that responsible parties should be more vigilant for any language errors in their prints, advertisements, and correspondence. The MoU also aims to raise awareness to the need for including Arabic content on websites, supporting Arabic language teaching initiatives for non-native speakers, and limiting the use of slang Arabic in different social media platforms. It also seeks to increase interest in the language through supporting and honouring related initiatives, and building strategic partnerships with stakeholders at the local, regional, and international levels.