The Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah welcomed a student and academic delegation from the Catholic University of Italy. This marked a significant step in the emirate’s efforts to enhance global engagement with the Arabic language. The visiting group, led by Dr. Wael Farouk, Director of the Arabic Cultural Institute at the university, includes 11 students. They will remain in Sharjah until April 17 for an intensive week-long programme.
The visit forms part of the academy’s academic and cultural cooperation with international institutions. This is in line with its mission to promote Arabic worldwide. The immersive programme includes intensive linguistic workshops, cultural visits, and guided tours. It combines language learning with deep cultural engagement.
Dr. Muhammad Safi Al-Mustaghanimi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy, welcomed the Italian delegation. He expressed pride in Sharjah as a global hub for Arabic language and culture. He emphasized that teaching Arabic to non-native speakers must go beyond grammar and structure. It should include a rich understanding of Arab history, literature, and values.
Dr. Farouk described the visit as an investment in the future. He stated that it plants seeds of appreciation for Arabic language and culture within Western society. He noted that immersive experiences such as this enable students to return home with a deeper understanding. They also gain a greater connection to the language.
As part of the visit, the Italian students will tour significant cultural landmarks across Sharjah. These include the House of Wisdom, the Quran Complex, and the Museum of Islamic Civilization. The programme also includes excursions to Khor Fakkan and Al Noor Island. This offers a hands-on introduction to Emirati heritage and traditions.
Students expressed excitement about the lectures and tours. They praised the academy’s dedication to showcasing the cultural depth of Sharjah and the Arab world. Matilda Ferrari, a literature graduate from Milan, shared her enthusiasm for Arabic literature and its diverse narratives. Mila Vaninelli, a doctoral researcher in contemporary Arabic literature, emphasized that this visit would enrich her studies. It will better equip her to educate future students about the Arab world.
In a parallel initiative, and as part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) recently hosted an event titled “Cultural Renaissance.” This was in collaboration with the Arabic Language Academy. The event welcomed Arabist students from Al Qasimia University, including 24 male and 21 female students, for a cultural tour. They toured Kalba Public Library and heritage sites in Khor Fakkan.
The initiative highlighted the enduring role of libraries in spreading knowledge and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Through curated tours and events, SPL reaffirmed its century-long commitment to building cultural bridges. They are empowering future generations of Arabic language scholars.
One of the event’s highlights was a panel discussion featuring Anastasia Ostrokhova, a Russian Arabist. She shared her journey with the Arabic language. Beginning her studies in Belarus, Ostrokhova described Arabic as her second native language. She praised the poetic depth and grammatical precision of Classical Arabic. She spoke of her admiration for Arabic poetry, calling it “one of the most refined forms of poetry in the world.”
The panel was held in the presence of Eman Bushlaibi, Director of SPL, along with local researchers and cultural figures. Attendees also received an in-depth tour of SPL’s facilities. This was led by Aisha Khamis Al Kaabi, the library’s chief librarian. She detailed the services and resources available to support Arabic language and literature studies.
Together, these efforts reflect Sharjah’s strategic vision to foster a vibrant cultural ecosystem. They aim to expand the global reach of the Arabic language and strengthen meaningful intercultural exchange.
