The world will come together on Saturday to mark "World Arabic Language Day".
Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages on the planet and is used daily by more than 400 million people.
This year’s theme - "Arabic Language, a bridge between civilisations" - is a call to reaffirm the important role of the language in connecting people through culture, science, literature and much more.
To celebrate the day, the UN's cultural body, Unesco, is organising a panel discussion on Friday where experts, academics and journalists will debate the historic role of the language.
Unesco has also organised an exhibition on "Arabic Language, a Bridge Between Civilisations" with the support of Saudi Arabia's Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation.
The exhibition - displayed on the fences of its headquarters in Paris - runs until December 20. It includes work by 18 artists from 13 countries, deploying techniques from classical calligraphy to contemporary graffiti styles as a way to convey messages of hope, peace, resilience and unity.
The UAE has been leading efforts to sustain the language over the past few years.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, established the "Arabic Language Charter" that seeks to establish the UAE as a global centre of excellence for the language. Sheikh Mohammed previously announced the establishment of the Advisory Council for the Arabic Language, along with a package of initiatives to strengthen the position of the language.
Earlier this year, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and President of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, launched the first 17 volumes of the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language".
World Arabic Language Day has been celebrated on December 18 every year since 2012.
The date coincides with the day, in 1973, that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the organisation.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Grubtech
Founders: Mohamed Al Fayed and Mohammed Hammedi
Launched: October 2019
Employees: 50
Financing stage: Seed round (raised $2 million)
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If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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