The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has successfully concluded the 12th edition of its ‘Bil Arabi’ initiative, a key project aimed at promoting the use of the Arabic language in everyday life and digital spaces, particularly among the youth. The campaign, held annually on World Arabic Language Day (December 18), engaged the public through interactive events celebrating the Arabic language.
This year, the campaign saw a wide array of activities across popular shopping centers in the UAE, including City Centre Mirdif and Etihad Mall in Dubai, City Centre Al Zahia in Sharjah, and City Centre Ajman. Additionally, the initiative gained significant attention on social media through the hashtag #bl`rby and expanded internationally with events held in Bahrain, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, celebrated the campaign’s success in promoting Arab knowledge and cultural identity. He commended the creativity brought to this year’s events, which helped establish Arabic as a key language in both daily interactions and the digital world. He expressed pride in the initiative’s role in inspiring younger generations to creatively express themselves in Arabic across various platforms.
“We are deeply honoured by the success of the ‘Bil Arabi’ initiative in inspiring younger generations to use the Arabic language for creative expression and effective communication,” said bin Huwaireb. He also highlighted the initiative’s goal of demonstrating Arabic’s adaptability to modern demands while preserving its authenticity and cultural richness.
He thanked the partners and sponsors of the campaign, noting their crucial role in advancing the Arabic language’s global presence and supporting the preservation of the Arab world’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
This year’s ‘Bil Arabi’ also featured a panel discussion in partnership with UNESCO, the Arab Council for Social Responsibility, and the Association of Arab Universities, focusing on World Arabic Language Day. The discussion was attended by Jamal bin Huwaireb and a distinguished panel of speakers.
The 12th edition of ‘Bil Arabi’ saw significant participation from young Arabs worldwide. Activities included ‘The Storyteller’ interactive storytelling session for children, ‘Interactive Screen’ competitions for both adults and children, ‘Selfie Screen’ photo opportunities with Arab heritage-inspired backgrounds, and the engaging ‘Talking Hologram’ experience, which allowed participants to interact with Arabic language content through digital technology.
