Sharjah 24: The Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah received an African academic delegation, including researchers and specialists in linguistic and lexical studies. The delegation was briefed on the services provided by ALA and its efforts in implementing the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language" project, and both sides discussed ways to strengthen relations between African research centres and the Academy.

Dr. Muhammad Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of Arabic Language Academy (ALA) in Sharjah, said that through the meeting, ALA seeks, with a group of academics and researchers in the linguistic field, to exchange experiences with African experiences that have clear and pioneering fingerprints in spreading the Arabic language, and enhancing its presence within the African continent.  Al Mosteghanemi added that ALA desires to enrich the cultural diversity that characterises the African regions, where the Academy learned through a constellation of academics from several African countries about the status of the Arabic language in African societies.

Members of the visiting African delegation expressed their great happiness with the great support accorded by the Emirate of Sharjah, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to the Arabic language and its reality in the African continent, and His Highness’s endeavour to develop its presence in Africa. Furthermore, members of the visiting African delegation confirmed that the visit reinforces the bonds of interdependence between Arabs and their brothers in the African continent, and contributes to creating a comprehensive linguistic renaissance that enriches the world with the Arabic language.

The visit of the African academic delegation to ALA came on the sidelines of the forum organised under the title "The Reality of the Arabic Language in the African Continent", under the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. It examined the most critical issues of interest to the Arabic language in the African continent, the reality of educational institutions and the challenges to teaching Arabic, the centres concerned with teaching Arabic in Africa, and ways to develop it.