Report on the Efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Support Arabic Language Education
The report highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to support the teaching and learning of the Arabic language worldwide. Arabic holds a distinguished position in the Kingdom as the official language of the state and a fundamental component of its cultural and Islamic identity. Guided by Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has launched numerous initiatives and strategic projects aimed at strengthening the status of Arabic locally and internationally. One of the most significant initiatives is the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, which focuses on protecting the language, developing its linguistic resources, supporting research, and facilitating Arabic learning for non-native speakers.
Saudi Universities and Arabic Language Institutes
The report presents the contributions of Saudi universities and institutes dedicated to teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Among the oldest institutions is the Arabic Language Institute at Umm Al-Qura University, established in 1395 AH, while the Islamic University of Madinah has graduated more than 13,000 students from diverse nationalities. The Arabic Linguistics Institute at King Saud University has also played a major role through advanced academic programs, teacher training, educational publications, and international conferences dedicated to Arabic language education.
Arabic Language Programs in Saudi Universities
Additional efforts include programs offered by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, King Abdulaziz University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Qassim University, King Khalid University, Al Majmaah University, and the Saudi Electronic University. These institutions provide diploma programs, teacher preparation courses, language training, and online learning opportunities, including comprehensive distance-learning programs consisting of sixteen educational levels.
International Efforts to Promote Arabic
Internationally, Saudi institutions have established Arabic language and Islamic studies institutes in several countries, particularly Indonesia, the Maldives, the United States, and Djibouti. These centers contribute to spreading Arabic language education and strengthening cultural and academic connections. Saudi universities have also organized hundreds of training courses in dozens of countries, dispatched specialists and educators abroad, supported Arabic language academies worldwide, and established academic chairs for Arabic and Islamic studies at prestigious international universities. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to promoting Arabic language education, expanding access for non-native speakers, and reinforcing the global presence of Arabic as a language of culture, knowledge, and international communication.