The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Dr. Ali Bin Tamim signs an agreement with the Institute of Oriental Studies’ Vitaly Naumkin. Image: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
Bin Tamim: ‘Working Side by Side’
In media messaging today (August 30), the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre has announced a letter of intent signed with the Moscow-based Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, an arrangement that Abu Dhabi says is meant “to promote cultural cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Arab world” while supporting Arabic language studies.
Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, chair of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, signed the letter with Vitaly Naumkin, director of the Institute of Oriental Studies.
In a comment issued with today’s announcement, Bin Tamim is quoted, saying, “The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre remains committed to its mission of promoting the Arabic language. Driving its advancement, and close collaboration with our partners is essential to this.
Dr. Ali Bin Tamim
“The letter of intent we have signed today with the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies will further strengthen cultural and academic ties between Russia and the Arab world, a significant milestone for cultural diplomacy and scholarly exchange.
“Working side by side to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s culture and language, we’ll explore innovative ways to bring together the rich heritage of the Arab world and the diverse traditions of Russia.”
Vitaly Naumkin
For his part, Naumkin is quoted, saying, “Polls show that the number of young Russians who want to study Arabic and know more about the Arab culture is constantly growing.
“As a result, many universities in Russia are launching Arabic programs that are becoming popular.
“Cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre,” Naumkin says, “which is internationally promoting Arabic studies and translation of Arab literature into foreign languages, plays a significant role in supporting this process.”
According to text issued to the press from the Abu Dhabi center, “The partnership will unite efforts to promote Russian-Arab cultural cooperation; foster Arabic language studies; and engage in academic conferences, awards submissions, and seminars. The parties will work together to explore avenues of collaboration and enrich cultural exchange between the two nations.”
The scope of the cooperation, per the announcement, covers multiple areas of interest. The two entities “will encourage submissions and nominations to literary prizes organized by the Arabic Language Centre, while also supporting the translation of Russian research on Arab studies into Arabic.” What’s more, the center is to participate in literary and other cultural seminars and events organized by the Institute of Oriental Studies.”
The partnership reportedly “will also focus on academic research and knowledge-sharing.” The partners pledge to encourage participation in studies and research papers published in the Al Markaz Journal and the academic publications issued by the Moscow operation, in addition to scheduling field visits to enhance capacity and share knowledge related to the publishing and book fairs industry.
More from Publishing Perspectives on the Abu Dhabi market is here, more on the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is here, and more on Arab-language literature is here.