emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the launch of the third International Forum of Arabic Language Teachers on Saturday. The event, organized by the Sharjah Private Education Authority in partnership with the Sharjah Education Academy, took place at the academy's headquarters in University City and runs until Sunday.
The forum aims to highlight outstanding educational practices in teaching Arabic both locally and internationally, and to explore innovative ways to integrate technology and artificial intelligence into language education.
The opening ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and the UAE national anthem. Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and President of the Sharjah Education Academy, expressed gratitude to H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah for attending the forum, coinciding with World Teachers' Day, and for his continuous support of the Arabic language and related educational programs.
During her speech, Dr. Al Hashemi announced the launch of the initiative “Passion for Arabic,” reflecting Sharjah’s commitment to Arabic language education for both native and non-native speakers. She explained that the initiative's name was inspired by the enthusiasm shared by students, parents, and educators for the Arabic language. She further outlined the symbolic meanings behind the letters in the word "Sheen," representing inclusivity and addressing the needs of learners, "Ghayn," signifying loyalty and cultural identity, and "Fa," representing the arts and modern tools deepened by research and studies.
Dr. Al Hashemi also highlighted the authority’s recent accomplishments in promoting Arabic, including the results of the standardized Arabic language proficiency tests "TALA" for native speakers, where Sharjah's private school students surpassed average levels across all stages in reading comprehension and writing.
In addition, she announced the launch of a digital Arabic library and the introduction of a new award, "Arabic Language Gem," within the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, to encourage both public and private schools to elevate Arabic language skills.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan and the attendees viewed a visual presentation titled "Our Roots Will Remain," which showcased the authority’s initiatives in Arabic language education and featured excerpts from the Ruler's remarks on the importance of the language.
Dr. Issa Saleh Al Hamadi, Director of the Educational Center for Gulf Arabic Language, addressed the significance of the forum, noting the current global technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence. He emphasized the need to integrate AI into Arabic language teaching to transform challenges into opportunities, enhance learners’ ability to engage with poetic and prose texts, and improve content creation and translation.
Dr. Al Hamadi further stressed the role of Arabic in the digital age, as AI systems rely on natural languages for interaction. He urged collaboration among educational institutions to use AI in enhancing Arabic vocabulary and learning tools, while also showcasing key publications, including guides on AI in schools and digital ethics.
The opening ceremony also featured a performance by students from a French school, who sang a song about their love for Arabic despite being non-native speakers, showcasing the language's richness and unique qualities.
Engineer Tariq Al Hammadi of the Sharjah Private Education Authority announced the "Stand Up for Teachers" card, a new initiative providing discounts and benefits to teachers as part of Sharjah's recognition of their contributions. This initiative, supported by a fund of AED 9.2 million, aims to provide teachers with access to training, healthcare, travel, and more.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan honored two distinguished educators, 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.
Following the ceremony, H.H. toured the student exhibition, where creative students showcased their talents in theater, poetry, and historical biographies. H.H. also visited several information platforms, including the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, ALEF Education Platform, and Dar Kalimat Publishing House.
The forum includes a series of key events, workshops, and panel discussions that focus on preserving the Arabic language and enhancing its role in education. Topics include utilizing AI in Arabic education, innovative teaching strategies, and enhancing reading and writing skills. Additionally, 33 practical workshops will be conducted by schools from Sharjah and 29 other Gulf, Arab, and international countries. Cultural sessions will feature writers, poets, and researchers, while a student forum and exhibition, including a "Student Museum," will offer further opportunities for participants to engage with the Arabic language in innovative ways.
The forum is attended by officials, education experts, and Arabic language specialists, all working together to advance the teaching of Arabic and integrate it with modern technological tools.
The forum aims to highlight outstanding educational practices in teaching Arabic both locally and internationally, and to explore innovative ways to integrate technology and artificial intelligence into language education.
The opening ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and the UAE national anthem. Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and President of the Sharjah Education Academy, expressed gratitude to H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah for attending the forum, coinciding with World Teachers' Day, and for his continuous support of the Arabic language and related educational programs.
During her speech, Dr. Al Hashemi announced the launch of the initiative “Passion for Arabic,” reflecting Sharjah’s commitment to Arabic language education for both native and non-native speakers. She explained that the initiative's name was inspired by the enthusiasm shared by students, parents, and educators for the Arabic language. She further outlined the symbolic meanings behind the letters in the word "Sheen," representing inclusivity and addressing the needs of learners, "Ghayn," signifying loyalty and cultural identity, and "Fa," representing the arts and modern tools deepened by research and studies.
Dr. Al Hashemi also highlighted the authority’s recent accomplishments in promoting Arabic, including the results of the standardized Arabic language proficiency tests "TALA" for native speakers, where Sharjah's private school students surpassed average levels across all stages in reading comprehension and writing.
In addition, she announced the launch of a digital Arabic library and the introduction of a new award, "Arabic Language Gem," within the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, to encourage both public and private schools to elevate Arabic language skills.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan and the attendees viewed a visual presentation titled "Our Roots Will Remain," which showcased the authority’s initiatives in Arabic language education and featured excerpts from the Ruler's remarks on the importance of the language.
Dr. Issa Saleh Al Hamadi, Director of the Educational Center for Gulf Arabic Language, addressed the significance of the forum, noting the current global technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence. He emphasized the need to integrate AI into Arabic language teaching to transform challenges into opportunities, enhance learners’ ability to engage with poetic and prose texts, and improve content creation and translation.
Dr. Al Hamadi further stressed the role of Arabic in the digital age, as AI systems rely on natural languages for interaction. He urged collaboration among educational institutions to use AI in enhancing Arabic vocabulary and learning tools, while also showcasing key publications, including guides on AI in schools and digital ethics.
The opening ceremony also featured a performance by students from a French school, who sang a song about their love for Arabic despite being non-native speakers, showcasing the language's richness and unique qualities.
Engineer Tariq Al Hammadi of the Sharjah Private Education Authority announced the "Stand Up for Teachers" card, a new initiative providing discounts and benefits to teachers as part of Sharjah's recognition of their contributions. This initiative, supported by a fund of AED 9.2 million, aims to provide teachers with access to training, healthcare, travel, and more.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan honored two distinguished educators, 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.
Following the ceremony, H.H. toured the student exhibition, where creative students showcased their talents in theater, poetry, and historical biographies. H.H. also visited several information platforms, including the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, ALEF Education Platform, and Dar Kalimat Publishing House.
The forum includes a series of key events, workshops, and panel discussions that focus on preserving the Arabic language and enhancing its role in education. Topics include utilizing AI in Arabic education, innovative teaching strategies, and enhancing reading and writing skills. Additionally, 33 practical workshops will be conducted by schools from Sharjah and 29 other Gulf, Arab, and international countries. Cultural sessions will feature writers, poets, and researchers, while a student forum and exhibition, including a "Student Museum," will offer further opportunities for participants to engage with the Arabic language in innovative ways.
The forum is attended by officials, education experts, and Arabic language specialists, all working together to advance the teaching of Arabic and integrate it with modern technological tools.