Sharjah Hosts 4th IFALT, Advancing Arabic Language Education

Sharjah witnessed a landmark moment in Arabic language education as His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the closing ceremony of the 4th International Forum for Arabic Language Teachers (IFALT). Held from October 4 to 6 at the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, the forum brought together educators, experts, and students from around the world.

The ceremony opened with the UAE national anthem and recitations from the Holy Quran, setting a solemn yet inspiring tone. Dr Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Sharjah Education Academy, highlighted the forum’s pivotal role in empowering Arabic teachers, improving educational quality, and promoting Arabic as a core pillar of identity and knowledge creation.

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Dr Al Hashemi showcased Sharjah’s achievements in the standardized Arabic language test “Talaa”, which recorded remarkable progress above the international average. She also spoke about the “Teacher and Proud” programme, which has trained over 120 female national teachers in private schools, advancing the UAE’s vision of promoting Standard Arabic in government nurseries.

The four-day forum featured 264 speakers from 23 countries and 46 institutions, reflecting global expertise in Arabic language education. Participants engaged in 77 workshops, including model lessons by the Sharjah Education Academy and private schools, covering topics from reading and writing to digital education and calligraphy. Specialized sessions for non-native speakers and linguistic skill assessments emphasized the forum’s focus on practical teaching innovation.

Cultural engagement was equally prominent. Students participated in poetry debates, hackathons, and competitions, while four Emirati writers shared insights in the Cultural Corner. A highlight was the student performance “Sharjah of Light” by Victoria International School, celebrating the Arabic language and its role in shaping knowledge and cultural identity.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi honoured sponsors and strategic partners, including the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah and the Arabic Language Educational Centre for Gulf States. Their contributions underscored Sharjah’s openness to global collaboration in education.

Concluding under the “With Arabic We Rise” initiative and coinciding with World Teachers’ Day, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Arabic language teaching, blending academic excellence with cultural heritage. The closing activities will continue in the Eastern Region on October 7, extending the forum’s impact across the emirate.