In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and in celebration of Sharjah being named UNESCO World Book Capital 2019, the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), to support the Arabic language department at one of the biggest universities in South Korea.

The agreement came after a series of meetings between the two parties. HUFS was selected due to its stellar reputation, which it has earned since 1965 by offering training courses for 45 languages, including Arabic.

The MoU stipulates that the two entities will exchange academic knowledge and expertise in teaching Arabic language, hold trainers’ training and facilitate a two-way movement of university experts who will work on extensive courses. The agreement also includes provisions on student exchange programmes and scholarships. Both entities will hold special seminars for their students on a variety of topics.

Moreover, the MoU will have the two parties collaborating in producing and publishing Arabic and Korean content, and have the titles translated into both languages. The agreement’s signatories will also collaborate to strengthen Arabic teaching and culture in South Korea and East Asia, and work to develop the Korean Center for Arabic Studies.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Myung Keun OH, Dean of the College of Asian Languages and Cultures at Hankuk University, and Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah.

Al Mosteghanemi delivered a keynote speech showcasing important aspects and skills in teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. He also highlighted the efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in supporting the spread of Arabic language in non-Arab countries.

The Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah is a government institution that was established in 2016, with an aim to support the study of Arabic in institutions in the Arab and Islamic world and encourage cross-cultural dialogue and research in Arabic language around the world.