Sharjah: H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, recently praised the successful completion of the Arabic Historical Dictionary, a significant achievement comprising 127 volumes.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Sharjah Ruler acknowledged the collective efforts and dedication of scholars from across the Arab world, describing the dictionary as a valuable contribution to the Arab nation. He emphasized that the dictionary will be accessible in various formats to aid researchers and young individuals. The announcement was made during a meeting with the heads of Arabic language academies and the Board of Trustees of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, held at the academy’s headquarters in University City.
Sheikh Sultan commenced the gathering by welcoming the esteemed participants and congratulating them on the achievement. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration of Arab academies, noting, ‘W
e will inscribe their names in gold on this noble work.’ He underscored the extensive seven-year project that has resulted in the dictionary, which documents the entire Arabic lexicon from pre-Islamic times to the present. Special thanks were given to the Union of Arab Scientific Academies in Cairo for establishing the foundational guidelines for this ambitious project.
Addressing the importance of making the Arabic Historical Dictionary widely available, His Highness outlined modern access methods. These include online access and a dedicated mobile app for easy searching, recognizing the logistical challenges of obtaining the entire collection. Additionally, plans to launch the “GPT Dictionary Project,” an AI-driven feature, aim to enhance interactive engagement with the dictionary in the coming months.
Sheikh Sultan also mentioned the development of a comprehensive Arabic encyclopaedia that will encompass science, literature, and the arts. This project, guided by scholars who contributed to the dictionary
, aims to facilitate swift and efficient research through careful organization.
In conclusion, the Sharjah Ruler expressed his hope that the Arabic language academies would enhance public understanding through focused seminars and lectures, elevating the status of scholars and enlightening the community about their vital contributions. These cultural initiatives align with Sharjah’s vision to enrich the Arab world in knowledge, religion, and humanity.
During the meeting, several heads of Arabic language academies congratulated the Sharjah Ruler on the dictionary’s completion and recognized his steadfast support. They highlighted the dictionary’s linguistic and historical significance and expressed their appreciation for Sheikh Sultan’s dedication to advancing the Arabic language throughout the region.