“Poetic Language”: Ithra Celebrates World Arabic Language Day Over Three Days
Dhahran | 15 December 2025
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an initiative of Saudi Aramco, announced the launch of a series of programs and activities marking World Arabic Language Day, celebrated annually on 18 December.
The three-day celebration will take place at Ithra from 18–20 December, honoring the Arabic language for its cultural stature, historical depth, and enduring role as a bridge between past and present.
The initiative highlights Arabic as a vessel of diverse cultures stretching from East to West, and as a language that has contributed rich literary and intellectual output shaping the global cultural map for centuries. It also reaffirms Arabic’s ability to engage with contemporary cultural movements and absorb new forms of knowledge, arts, and sciences.
“Poetic Language” as This Year’s Theme
On this occasion, Abdullah Al-Hawas, Head of the Ithra Library, stated:
“Following five consecutive years of celebrating World Arabic Language Day through diverse themes—Mu‘allaqat, Muwashshahat, Maqamat, Poet of the Desert, and Epistolary Literature—this year we spotlight the poetic essence of language under the theme ‘Poetic Language’, through a diverse range of programs designed for all segments of society.”
He added that Ithra’s commitment to celebrating Arabic stems from a deep belief that language is the most effective medium for communication between civilizations, and the vessel from which writers, poets, and thinkers draw creative substance—whether in prose, poetry, or literature—leading to enlightened thought and meaningful contributions to human progress.
Panel Discussions with Language, Literature, and Poetry Experts
The program features six specialized panel discussions with leading figures in language, literature, and poetry, exploring the aesthetics and cultural diversity of Arabic across historical eras. It also includes a poetry evening by prominent poets, a mural by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, interactive activities, and artistic performances inspired by the spirit and authenticity of Arabic.
In the session “Us and Language: From Heritage to Usage,” Hatem Al-Shahri, founder of Harf Literary Agency, leads a discussion with Saeed Al-Tunaiji, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Fayfi, Head of Computational Linguistics at the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language.
The dialogue examines how Arabic transcends its historical roots into contemporary usage and future horizons, evolving in structure and meaning to accommodate innovation, scientific knowledge, and intercultural exchange.
The session “Richness of Meaning” brings together writer and researcher Husni Malik, poet Hassan Shihab Al-Din, and Saudi poet Mohammed Abdullah Al-Turki, discussing semantic plurality in Arabic and how its layered meanings inspire reflection and wonder among readers.
Meanwhile, “Arabic Through the Eyes of Other Languages” features a conversation between Hamad Al-Shammari, faculty member at King Abdulaziz University, and Dr. Pedro Buendía Pérez, Professor of Arabic Studies and Arabic Literature at the University of Madrid. The session explores translation from and into Arabic, the language’s role as a bridge between cultures, the beauty of Arabic script, and the challenges translators face in conveying meaning and nuance.
Activities and Performances
The celebration also includes a range of activities and film screenings such as “The Fantasy World of Language,” “Library of Words,” “Family Game,” and “Endless Stories,” alongside “Word Under the Microscope: Vocabulary Challenge.”
Additionally, visitors can explore exhibitions including “The King Salman Academy Corner” and “Impact and Legacy.”
These activities aim to stimulate imagination among children and youth, offering engaging and interactive experiences that test linguistic skills, enrich vocabulary, and encourage the discovery of new words and meanings through storytelling and reading—highlighting the depth, flexibility, and contextual richness of Arabic.
Arabic: A Living, Expansive Language
Arabic is recognized as one of the world’s richest languages in vocabulary, structure, expression, and dialects. Spoken by more than half a billion people across 22 Arab countries, it remains a living, renewable linguistic system capable of absorbing modern forms and complex scientific terminology derived from other languages.
About Ithra
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is a Saudi Aramco initiative and a multidimensional cultural and creative destination dedicated to delivering exceptional visitor experiences, fostering positive social impact, and engaging diverse audiences through innovative programs and interactive initiatives.
Officially opened to the public in 2018 in Dhahran, Eastern Saudi Arabia, Ithra has become a global cultural landmark promoting sustainability, knowledge exchange, and creativity.
Its facilities include the Idea Lab, Library, Theater, Museum, Cinema, Grand Hall, Energy Exhibit, Children’s Museum, and Ithra Tower, forming an integrated environment that nurtures intellectual and creative growth.