Draft:Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

About ALC

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre was established as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to enhance the presence of Arabic as a language of science, arts, and literature through specialised programmes and partnerships with major cultural, academic, and technological institutions worldwide, such as the Institut du Monde Arabe (France), Brill Publishers (Netherlands), and Universität Leipzig (Germany).

Operating from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, the ALC is promotes the Arabic language in all areas of life; academic, cultural, and public. It aims at supporting researchers, professionals, and activists across various fields of Arabic and Middle Eastern studies, enhancing interest in learning Arabic among native and non-native speakers, leading linguistic research and development efforts, and promoting research, knowledge exchange, creativity, authorship, translation, and publishing.

The ALC collaborates with UAE-based universities and international academic partners. It also hosts a digital library and undertakes collaborative research projects and initiatives, including the digital lexicon “Daleel Al Ma’ani”, the Kalima Translation Project, and the Journal of Arabic Studies “Al-Markaz”. Additionally, the ALC offers policy consultations, publishing academic reports, and supporting students and researchers in Arabic studies, Middle Eastern studies, history, literature, translation, and digital humanities through a dedicated research grant programme.

The ALC has also launched several awards to encourage studies, research, and poetic and literary works, and to recognise publications in Arabic and other languages. The most prominent of these awards is the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.

The ALC is one of the official sponsors of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. Additionally, it organises exhibitions, academic symposia, and international public forums, such as the International Congress of Arabic Publishing and Creative Industries, and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

ALC’s Vision

To position Abu Dhabi as an enabler of Arabic language leadership in the fields of culture, creativity and education.

ALC’s Mission

Contribute to the advancement and promote interest in learning of Arabic language among native and non-native speakers, lead efforts in research and linguistic development, and support creativity, authorship, translation and publishing.

ALC Logo

The Story of the Logo

The Letter Ayn "ع"

Ayn is the first letter of the word "Arabic" in Arabic “العربية”, and one of the distinct sounds that set this language apart. The word "Ayn" itself also has many homophones that all seem to denote beginnings: "Ayn" is a water fountain, bringing vibrance to life when it flows from the heart of the earth. "Ayn" is the eye, without which man cannot embark on the journey of discovery. And "Ayn" is a distinguished individual, who gives back in abundance as is the individual duty of every Muslim, his "fard al-Ayn".

The first Arabic scientific linguistic genius appeared with "Kitab Al-Ayn" ("Book of Al-Ayn"), the first ever Arabic dictionary written by Al-Khalil bin Ahmed Al-Farahidi. From then on, watchful eyes kept observing the elements of the language as they emerged, grew, and aged to become the graceful and elegant language we know today, full of purity and vitality.

Black and White

From a mix of white and black, the succession of day and night, time began to move towards the future. White papers remained silent until black ink etched science, wisdom, and diversity onto them. Thus did Abu Al-Aswad Al-Du'ali when his quill drew the first Arabic dots on similar-looking letters to give each letter its own unique character.

Black is the colour of Arabian beauty, from dark horses, to dark skin, to dark eyes. There may be no better symbol of the depth and simplicity of Arabian aesthetics than the black colour.

Flowing Design

The seven lines symbolise the seven emirates, with the capital Abu Dhabi at their heart. Lines curve in four graceful movements, branching out into twenty-eight threads, the same number as the letters of the Arabic alphabet. They weave the history of a long-standing nation, connecting its past to its present, and moving toward the future with confidence, hope, and pride.

The smooth flow of lines reflects the graceful passage from authenticity to modernity, to an openness to other cultures and to a wealth of knowledge and technology advances. The brushstrokes mimic sand waves and dune curves, but also reflect the features of our modern life with its continuous flow and amazing transformations.

ALC’s Projects and Initiatives

Awards and Grants

Sheikh Zayed Book Award

An independent award granted annually to outstanding writers, intellectuals, publishers, and young talents for their contributions to authorship, development, and translation in the humanities. The award holds a global reputation, with its annual submissions exceeding 4,000 across its 10 categories.

Kanz Al Jeel Award

This award honours Nabati poetry, folklore studies, and research focused on the heritage of Nabati poetry and its inherent values.

Sard Al Tahab Award

The Sard Al Thahab (Golden Narrative) Award is an annual award that supports the traditional art of Arabic storytelling across the Arab world, including the preservation and continuation of folk tales and legends, which form an essential part of Arab heritage, culture, and identity.

Research Grants Programme

A grant programme aiming to elevate Arabic scientific research and enhance its status regionally and globally by supporting creativity, authorship, and research in various Arabic language disciplines, such as literature, criticism, and applied linguistics.

Spotlight on Rights Programme

This programme aims to raise awareness about the benefits of copyright-protected works and support efforts to translate content to and from Arabic. It offers grants for converting printed content into digital and audio books, and promotes collaboration between Arab and international publishers.