UNESCO Honors Sharjah Ruler for Landmark Arabic Language Dictionary Achievement

On May 22, 2025, in a remarkable ceremony held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah and a member of the UAE’s Supreme Council, was honored for his significant contribution to the Arabic language through the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This distinguished event celebrated not only the completion of the dictionary but also highlighted the rich cultural heritage that the Arabic language embodies.

The ceremony featured the presence of esteemed guests, including Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the spouse of Sheikh Dr. Sultan and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the head of the Sharjah Book Authority. Upon his arrival, His Highness was warmly welcomed by Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, alongside distinguished members of the UAE's diplomatic and cultural community in France.

In his address, Sheikh Dr. Sultan articulated the profound significance of dedicating efforts to the Arabic language, stating, "It is an honor to be among you in this prestigious cultural forum of UNESCO… Together we commemorate a monumental scientific and cultural achievement: the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language." He emphasized the importance of the day coinciding with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a time meant to foster mutual understanding and respect among cultures.

He continued by underscoring that language serves as a crucial vessel for culture and a distinctive expression of a community’s identity. Celebrating the Historical Dictionary is about honoring a vital aspect of our rich human diversity represented through the Arabic language, which carries a profound civilization heritage and a significant intellectual and humanistic influence.

Moreover, Sheikh Dr. Sultan acknowledged the numerous partner institutions that played an essential role in creating the dictionary. He made a poignant point about the right of all languages to exist and evolve, articulating that recognizing the rightful history of Arabic and highlighting its developmental facets asserts to the world that every language deserves existence and celebration.

“Cultural justice demands that humanity does not reduce itself to a single language and that the civilizations of peoples are not constrained to one model,” he stated. "Just as biological diversity ensures the continuity of life, cultural and linguistic diversity guarantees the ongoing emergence and revitalization of human creativity."

During the ceremony, Audrey Azoulay praised the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan for placing culture and knowledge at the forefront of Sharjah's policies. She commended the Emirate's investments across diverse sectors aligning with UNESCO's mission and highlighted its recognition through various international cultural awards. Furthermore, she appreciated the initiative taken by Sharjah to digitize UNESCO’s archives, a critical step in preserving valuable historical documents that date back over 80 years.

Azoulay concluded by recognizing the successful completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language—a monumental achievement realized under the leadership of Sharjah’s ruler. This dictionary garnered the title of the largest historical dictionary, as certified by the Guinness World Records, with contributions from a wide array of researchers and editors across 20 linguistic institutions within the Arab world.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Sheikh Dr. Sultan graciously signed a copy of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and presented it to UNESCO as a gift, symbolizing not only the landmark milestone achieved but also the enduring partnership between Sharjah and UNESCO. This event not only honors a significant scholarly work but also deepens the dialogue surrounding the Arabic language and its heritage, reinforcing the idea that every culture deserves recognition and respect.

Through such initiatives and recognitions, Sharjah continues to assert itself as a global center for knowledge and culture, fostering an environment of understanding and collaboration among nations. The legacy of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language will undoubtedly serve as a bridge connecting past wisdom with future generations, ensuring the Arabic language remains a vibrant part of global heritage.