His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah inaugurated the second Sharjah International Arabic Language Conference on Wednesday morning at the University of Sharjah, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah. Themed “Artificial Intelligence in the Service of the Arabic Language: Creativity, Education, and Research,” the conference opened at Al Razi Hall in the UoS’s medical campus.

 

The conference opening ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Following, H.E. Prof. Esamledin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, delivered a poetic address in dialogue form between himself and the Arabic language. In this creative address, Prof. Agamy expressed gratitude to the His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his constant patronage of education and cultural institutions that nurture Arabic, as well as to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi for his unwavering support of the University.

 

Speaking to the Arabic language, Prof. Agamy recited: “In you was the holy book revealed in truth, elevating knowledge and steadfast tradition; rooted deep, yet ever renewed.” He went on to highlight His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s lifelong dedication to preserving and enriching Arabic, declaring in the voice of the language itself, “I am Arabic, here to praise the one who served its letters faithfully; Sultan, son of the Qasimis, guardian of my banner.” Prof. Agmay concluded his address by reaffirming the University’s commitment to remain a beacon of knowledge, a haven for Arabic, and a bridge connecting intellect with moral values.

 

Dr Mohammed Ahmad Al Qudah, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Jordan, delivered the keynote address. He underscored the importance of AI and digital applications in safeguarding Arabic and ensuring its endurance in an age of rapid technological change. He described Arabic as a vast human legacy awaiting rediscovery through modern tools, capable of transforming age-old knowledge into dynamic educational and creative resources.

 

Following, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, hosts, and participants watched a visual presentation that introduced the Sharjah International Award for the Best AI Application Serving the Arabic Language. It outlined the prize’s objectives, criteria, and highlights of past submissions, presenting standout projects that employed AI to advance Arabic learning and research. Then, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah launched the “Smart Researcher” project within the Historical Arabic Dictionary, developed by the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy. Another presentation showcased how the tool revolutionizes access to linguistic data through intelligent, user-friendly features.

 

Dr. Maryam Saeed Belajeed, chair of the conference’s scientific committees, emphasized that the event embodies a vital relationship between language and artificial intelligence in the digital age. She noted that this year’s edition features six specialized themes, with 112 research abstracts submitted by 95 scholars from 30 countries, alongside 15 local entries, spread across 15 sessions and workshops.

 

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi honored the winners of the Sharjah International Award for the Best AI Application Serving the Arabic Language. First place went to the project “Arabic Grammar,” followed by “Al-Anees” in second place and “Nutq” in third. Sheikh Sultan also recognized the event’s sponsors and partners.

 

The opening was attended by several senior officials and dignitaries, including Sheikh Dr. Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Head of the Ruler’s Office; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality; Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Hassan Yacoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; and Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Shamsi, Director General of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, along with a large gathering of academics, linguists, and cultural figures passionate about the Arabic language.