Doha: For his part, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Director-General, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, emphasized the high scientific value of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, as well as its importance in the Arab and international cultural and linguistic landscape. He noted the dictionary's significant contribution to efforts aimed at serving the Arabic language.
According to Qatar News Agency, in his address at the dictionary's completion ceremony, AlMalik expressed his appreciation for the State of Qatar and its wise leadership's support of this project, a gesture reflecting a deep commitment to culture and language. He affirmed the organization's readiness to support the dictionary with all its resources, so that its benefits may extend to all Arab and Islamic countries.
President of the Arabic Language Academy in Damascus Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Al Sayed, highlighted the pivotal role of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language in documenting the history of the Arabic language and serving lexicographical and linguistic research.
He pointed to the unprecedented scientific opportunities the dictionary offers researchers and scholars, calling for the advancement, development, and investment in the Arabic language to ensure it regains its rightful place in the fields of knowledge and scientific research.
In his address, General Director of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) Dr. Azmi Bishara, emphasized the importance of the cultural and intellectual dimension of this major Arabic linguistic project, underscoring its clear significance in demonstrating the capacity of institutional Arab scholarship to achieve long-term strategic knowledge projects.
He stressed the importance of the Doha Historical Dictionary, noting that it not only serves researchers and those interested in the Arabic language but also contributes to the development of Arabic applications for artificial intelligence.
In this context, he commended the State of Qatar for hosting this significant scholarly project, calling for support for linguistic and intellectual initiatives that serve the Arabic language and enhance its presence in the digital age.
During the ceremony, the new electronic portal for the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language was unveiled. This portal represents a qualitative leap in making historical lexicographical material accessible and reflects the dictionary's commitment to strengthening its digital presence and expanding the scope of its scholarly and research benefits.
The new portal is distinguished by its modern design and advanced technical structure, and the search and exploration tools it provides that enable users to easily and accurately trace the history of words and their meanings throughout the ages, serving researchers, students and those interested in the Arabic language, and enhancing the integration between lexicographical work and contemporary digital media.
The ceremony concluded in an atmosphere reflecting pride in this major Arab scientific achievement and optimism about the new horizons it opens for scientific research and the service of the Arabic language. Attendees emphasized that the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language does not mark the end of a project, but rather the beginning of a new phase in employing this knowledge resource to serve the Arabic language and its future.
In this context, the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language constitutes a qualitative contribution to rebuilding awareness of the history of Arabic, reinforcing its status as a living language capable of renewal, keeping pace with the requirements of the modern age, and actively participating in the global knowledge landscape.