New Arabic Language Council headquarters in Nouakchott inaugurated with a generous contribution from Sharjah Ruler
Sharjah, December 27, 2023
Under the patronage of Mauritania President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, and through the contribution of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Supreme President of the Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah, the new headquarters of the Arabic Language Council in Nouakchott, Mauritania, was inaugurated on Monday.
Nurturing the development of the Arabic language
H.E. Ahmed Sid Ahmed Dié, Mauritanian Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament, presided over the ceremony, expressing gratitude for the generous contribution from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. The Academy in Mauritania, under the auspices of both leaders, is tasked with nurturing the development of the Arabic language in Mauritania and beyond, bringing together an elite group of scholars dedicated to this noble cause.
The ceremony was also attended by several senior diplomatic and media figures, as well as heads of Arab language academies. During the event, H.E Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, an ALA Board of Trustees member and Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, conveyed a message to the community of linguists and researchers in Mauritania from His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah. He also spoke about the importance of supporting major scientific projects and continuous efforts to empower the Arabic language in various countries worldwide, highlighting the strong relationship between the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Championing Islamic and Arabic culture
The Mauritanian Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament, presented a commemorative shield to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, and was received by H.E Mohamed Hassan Khalaf in appreciation of His Highness’s efforts in championing Islamic and Arabic culture and language, in various countries around the world.
For his part, Dr. Khalil Al Nahwi, Chairman of the Arabic Language Council in Mauritania, delivered a speech congratulating the attendees, the entire Mauritanian population and all guardians of the Arabic language. He also reviewed the council’’s achievements over the past five years, praising the support it receives directly from His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, as well as the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah.
H.E. Ahmed Sid Ahmed Dié, along with H.EMohamed Hassan Khalaf and Dr. Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of ALA, unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the opening of the building before the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, and was followed by a tour of the impressive building, designed in the Mauritanian architectural style.
Built with eco-friendly materials, the new headquarters consists of two floors and includes several administrative offices, study halls, meeting rooms, and an expansive library. The main building is accompanied by a hall named “Al Qasimiya Hall” to be used for seminars and events. The headquarters also houses a mosque that can accommodate more than 300 worshippers.
Situated in the University district on land generously provided by the Mauritanian government, the entire construction and furnishing of this significant establishment were funded by His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah. Dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the Arabic language, with a special emphasis on activities within the African continent, the headquarters serve as a gateway, particularly in Africa’s north-western region.
The Arabic Language Council in Mauritania will continue to carry out its scientific and linguistic missions from the newly inaugurated headquarters, aligning itself with the operational model of other Arabic language academies across the Arab world. Since its inception in 2017, the Council has actively engaged in collaborative efforts with the Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah, contributing to diverse linguistic projects. The council in Mauritania also holds membership in the Union of Language and Scientific Academies in Cairo, boasting a distinguished assembly of linguists and scholars specialising in various branches of the Arabic language.
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