The Kingdom highlights Arabic as a language of faith, culture and global communication

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Saudi Arabia is commemorates World Arabic Language Day 2025 with a broad range of cultural, educational and academic activities both within the Kingdom and across the world, underscoring its commitment to preserving and promoting the Arabic language.

World Arabic Language Day is observed every December 18 and marks the historic adoption of Arabic as the sixth official language of the United Nations in 1973, a milestone that elevated the language’s global status.

This year’s celebration is held under the theme “Innovative Pathways for Arabic: Policies and Practices for a More Inclusive Linguistic Future,” drawing attention to the role of education, media, technology and public policy in ensuring the language remains vibrant and accessible.

As part of the global outreach, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language launched the Kingdom’s celebrations earlier this month at the United Nations headquarters in New York, with events held from December 2 to 4.

The New York programme, organised in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s permanent mission to the UN and sponsored by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, featured cultural and interactive activities showcasing the history, beauty and global influence of the Arabic language.

Speaking on the significance of the occasion, the Secretary-General of the academy, Dr Abdullah Al-Washmi, said Arabic is a core element of national identity and noted that the academy currently runs programmes in more than 60 countries in cooperation with over 10 international organisations.

He stressed that Arabic deserves collective responsibility and protection, describing it as the language in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed and a heritage passed down through generations that must be preserved and strengthened.

Within the Kingdom, schools in Riyadh are observing the day through lessons, school broadcasts and educational programmes designed to raise students’ awareness of Arabic’s civilisational importance and global relevance.

Cultural institutions are also marking the occasion, with the National Museum in Riyadh and the Islamic University of Madinah hosting exhibitions, seminars, calligraphy displays, poetry contests and discussions on the role of Arabic in preserving identity in the digital age.

Source: Arab News