Sharjah Hosts Major European Arabic Language Conference 2025

Sharjah emerged as a global hub for Arabic language and culture as it hosted the closing ceremony of the Third Sharjah International Conference on Arabic Language Studies in Europe (SICALE) 2025. Themed “Contributions of Orientalists to the Arabic Language,” the event brought together scholars from 19 European countries to explore the past, present, and future of Arabic.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy, welcomed participants and celebrated the unifying power of Arabic. He emphasized that Arabic remains alive in hearts and minds across continents, reflecting noble values that bridge nations.

“This conference has brought you together under one banner: Humanity Unites Us and Arabic Unites Us,” His Highness said, highlighting the exchange of experiences in Arabic teaching, research, and methodology, particularly for non-native speakers. He also reaffirmed Sharjah’s commitment to fostering global cooperation in Arabic language studies.

Sharjah: Hub for Language and Culture

The conference featured 24 research studies, covering topics like Arabic literature translation, classical texts, migration of Arabic words into European languages, and innovative teaching strategies. Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy, welcomed scholars from around the world and praised their dedication to the language. He underlined Arabic as a force that unites hearts and enriches cross-cultural understanding.

Highlighting Sharjah’s cultural status, Dr Irina Lebedeva from Moscow State University lauded the emirate as a capital of culture and books. She emphasized Arabic’s role in fostering dialogue between cultures and noted that the conference’s work strengthens Arabic’s global presence.

Preserving Heritage Through Literature

Classical Arabic literature remained a focal point of discussion. Dr Sebastian Günther, from the University of Göttingen, stressed the value of experiencing texts in Arabic before applying theory. His talk underscored that classical literature, from pre-Islamic poetry to Abbasid-era writings, continues to offer insights into human thought, ethics, and aesthetics.

The conference also highlighted the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a landmark project by the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy, showcasing the emirate’s ongoing efforts to document and preserve linguistic heritage.

Building Bridges Between Europe and the Arab World

Participants explored how Arabic has influenced European languages and literature, emphasizing translation, communication, and the use of hidden Arabic manuscripts in European archives. Scholars shared methodologies for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers and strategies to strengthen research skills, ensuring the language thrives in academic institutions worldwide.

The event concluded with reflections on Arabic’s enduring vitality and the importance of international cooperation. Sharjah’s role as a center for language, culture, and scholarly exchange continues to grow, reinforcing its position as a global beacon for Arabic studies.