In a strategic move aimed at consolidating national identity and promoting cultural heritage, the Saudi Cabinet approved the “National Policy for the Arabic Language.” This comprehensive policy affirms the status of Arabic as the official language of the Kingdom, a fundamental pillar of its identity, and a sovereign, cultural, and developmental tool, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030 and reflecting Saudi Arabia’s historical and civilizational role as the original home of the Arabic language and its global authority.
Historical background and national context
The Arabic language holds a unique place not only in the hearts of Saudis but also in the hearts of more than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, as it is the language of the Holy Quran. Throughout history, Arabic has been the vessel of Islamic civilization and a fundamental source of science, arts, and literature, significantly influencing many other languages. In the modern era, with the challenges of globalization and technological advancements, the need has arisen for clear policies to protect the Arabic language and enhance its presence in all aspects of life. This national policy comes within the framework of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage, which include initiatives such as the establishment of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, serving as a global authority for the service and dissemination of the Arabic language.
The importance of policy and its expected impact
The importance of this policy extends beyond mere linguistic preservation to encompass developmental, economic, and diplomatic dimensions. Locally , it aims to strengthen national identity and social cohesion, ensuring that future generations master their mother tongue, which will positively impact the quality of education and critical thinking. Regionally , this step solidifies the Kingdom's leadership in the Arab world and establishes it as a model for serving the Arabic language. Internationally , promoting the presence of Arabic in international forums and scientific research enhances the Kingdom's soft power and contributes to enriching global intercultural dialogue.
8 basic principles for establishing the presence of the Arabic language
The national policy is based on eight key binding principles, aimed at promoting the use of the Arabic language in vital sectors, namely:
- Officialness and sovereignty: Emphasizing that Arabic is the only official language of the Kingdom, and obligating government agencies to use it in all their work and dealings, with the possibility of using another language when urgently needed.
- Education: Making Arabic the primary language of instruction at all educational levels, to enable students to master it and consolidate Arab culture and its intellectual heritage.
- The general linguistic landscape: Enhancing the presence of Arabic in the public sphere, including contracts, certificates, directional and commercial signs, invoices, and names of places and conferences.
- Scientific and academic research: Enabling the presence of the Arabic language in universities and research institutions by supporting scientific research and publishing in it in various disciplines.
- Media: To promote the Arabic language in a proper manner across various media outlets, and to encourage the production of media content in eloquent and correct Arabic.
- Business and Economics: Establishing the use of Arabic in the business sector, by enabling its presence in administrative aspects, correspondence and employment, and activating avenues for linguistic investment.
- International communication: Activating the presence of the Arabic language in international communication contexts, such as conferences and official meetings inside and outside the Kingdom, to enhance its global standing.
- Culture and Arts: Supporting and promoting the presence of the Arabic language in cultural and artistic products and activities, as a fundamental pillar of Saudi national identity.
