Dubai Arabic Award Hits Record Global Participation Boom

Dubai: The 10th edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award has marked a significant milestone, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for cultural and knowledge-driven initiatives.

Organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the award witnessed record-breaking participation, reflecting the growing global relevance of the Arabic language.

This year, the award received 2,683 submissions, including 677 completed projects, showcasing a notable rise in innovation across language-related sectors. A total of 3,664 participants registered, comprising individuals, teams, and institutions, highlighting the award’s expanding international reach.

Submissions came from 52 countries, with six nations participating for the first time—an indicator of increasing global engagement and the role of Arabic in fostering cultural exchange and knowledge sharing.

Key Trends and Categories

Education emerged as the leading category, emphasizing its vital role in preserving and promoting the Arabic language. Other major areas included:

• Culture, thought, and knowledge society

• Technology and artificial intelligence applications

• Media and communication

• Language policy and Arabisation

The growing focus on technology and AI reflects the evolving role of Arabic in the modern digital economy.

Official Statement

H.E. Bilal Al Budoor, Secretary-General of the Award, stated that the strong participation reflects the award’s institutional growth and the increasing global interest in Arabic as a dynamic and evolving language.

He highlighted Dubai and the UAE’s role in advancing international efforts to strengthen Arabic across key development sectors, including education, innovation, and technology.

Awards and Vision

The award offers a total prize pool of approximately AED 2.8 million, aimed at recognising excellence and encouraging innovation in serving the Arabic language.

Launched under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative is part of a broader vision to:

• Enhance the global standing of Arabic

• Promote its use across modern sectors

• Advance teaching methods in line with digital transformation

Global Impact

Since its inception, the award has evolved into a leading international platform, supporting impactful contributions to the Arabic language. It continues to promote linguistic innovation and strengthen Arabic’s presence in science, technology, and culture.

The initiative plays a key role in building a sustainable ecosystem that not only preserves cultural identity but also aligns with global development goals.