Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award launched to encourage exceptional contributions

Dubai (WAM): His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday launched Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award. The Award aims to encourage exceptional contributions in serving the Arabic language and honouring its patrons besides highlighting successful and outstanding experiences in disseminating and educating the Arabic language. On the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, "The language of the Qur'an is protected by Allah, and our goal behind launching this award is to serve it and contribute to its dissemination," He added, "To contribute to the preservation of the Arabic language through honouring its pioneers and distinguished persons consolidates our identity and preserves our heritage, our thinking and our culture, and is protection for our new generations from losing the most important cultural, educational and linguistic tool we possess." Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award includes five branches, whereby outstanding initiatives will be honoured along with the exceptional contributions to support the Arabic language in the areas of education, media, Arabisation, technology, preservation and dissemination of the Arab linguistic heritage. The prize includes 10 categories to be honoured on an annual basis and aims to reinforce the status of the UAE, and its leading position as a centre of excellence for the Arabic language, promote its usage in public life and to facilitate its learning and teaching. It also affirmed the keenness of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to celebrate the Arabic language by honouring its researchers and professionals, whether they are individuals or institutions. The winning institutions and individuals will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of prominent figures in the Arab world, where the committee is chaired by Farouk Shousha, Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, and Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Cairo, in addition to other members. – Emirates News Agency, WAM