The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh launched a diverse program of cultural and artistic events to celebrate World Arabic Language Day , which falls on December 18th each year. This cultural initiative underscores the library's leading role in promoting Arab identity and supporting the intellectual presence of the Arabic language.
Global context and historical celebration
Celebrating this day holds special significance, as it dates back to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3190 of 1973, which adopted Arabic as an official and working language of the international organization. Saudi cultural institutions utilize this occasion annually to highlight the contributions of the Arabic language to human civilization and its ability to adapt to modern changes, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to strengthen national identity and pride in cultural heritage.
The future of Arabic in knowledge spaces
The library launched its activities with a cultural forum held on Tuesday evening, December 16, entitled: “The Future of the Arabic Language in Knowledge Spaces: The Making of Linguistic Innovation,” in strategic partnership with the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language. The forum featured a distinguished group of academics and specialists, including Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Amri, Dr. Noura bint Ibrahim Al-Khalaf, and Dr. Raeda bint Hassan Al-Maliki, with the discussion moderated by Eng. Tariq Bamsaq.
The participants discussed vital topics including modern language policies, ways to enhance the status of Arabic, language education between innovation and digital transformation, in addition to the role of language academies in developing a language that interacts flexibly with the developments of the digital age.
Pulse of Letters Exhibition: A Fusion of Art and Language
On the evening of Thursday, December 18, 2025, the library's general supervisor inaugurated the "Pulse of Letters" exhibition, in collaboration with the Saudi Society for Fine Arts (JASFT). The opening was attended by distinguished guests: calligrapher Nasser Al-Maimoun, calligrapher Mohammed Al-Ajlan, and visual artist Nasser Al-Mousa.
The exhibition continues until December 20, offering a unique visual experience through paintings that highlight the aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy in its various schools, and calligraphic artworks that have transformed the Arabic letter into an artistic icon with deep connotations, reflecting the visual richness of the Arabic language and its capacity for artistic adaptation.
Promoting the Arabic language among young people
Believing in the importance of instilling a love of language in the hearts of rising generations, the Childhood Sector of the Library celebrated through the (Children's Book Club) by presenting special gifts to subscribers during the period from December 16 to 25, 2025. The initiative included discounted packages for ages 2 to 15 years, which included: Discovery, Imagination, Leadership, and Innovation packages, with the aim of bringing the book closer to the child and promoting reading in Arabic.
The library also played its community role through mobile learning resource buses, which hosted children from the (Insan) Association in Al-Waha Park in Riyadh, providing them with reading and interactive activities that enhance their connection to their mother tongue.
