Staff Report
Dubai: The week-long celebration of the fifth annual Arabic language week was held by the Emirates Literature Foundation in association with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), from 18 to 24 October. Arabic language week was held in various educational institutions across the UAE.
More than 118 students attended the events, designed to include interactive and entertaining Arabic sessions and workshops by Emirati and Arab World authors, Amal Zad, Sahar Naja Mahfouz, Khadija Al-Qudsi and Ali Abdulall.
Eman Al Hammadi, Competitions Manager and Arabic Education Relationship Officer at the
Emirates Literature Foundation, who organises the Week, said: ‘The goal of the Arabic Language Week is to make learning Arabic fun and innovative. We take students outside their classroom environment for them to appreciate the beauty of the language. It is an important step in the Foundation’s continuing efforts to align with the UAE government’s campaign to raise awareness about the importance of the Arabic language and continuing the rich legacy of Emirati culture.’
Alongside the school and university visits by the authors, the Emirates Literature Foundation also hosted an Arabic Language Week session for children with determination. This session covered a diverse range of simple activities that encouraged students to be more expressive when communicating.
Fatma Al Marri, CEO at KHDA said, ‘We are proud to have played a part in this success story and our partnership reflects the continued support to inspire a love for the Arabic language. Young people in the region are keen to know more about their heritage and by learning their own language, we hope they will be inspired to understand the Arab culture and values better. This year has been exceptional and we have seen an impressive increase in audience participation during the Arabic Language Week over the past editions. We look forward to greater collaboration and supporting the upcoming events.’
The Arabic Language Week is part of a number of Foundation initiatives that also include its
flagship event the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the UAE’s premier literary festival. The festival will be holding its 10 th anniversary next year, from 1-10 March 2018 and officially launched the anticipated news of its author line-up this week.
