The world will come together on Saturday to mark "World Arabic Language Day".
Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages on the planet and is used daily by more than 400 million people.
This year’s theme - "Arabic Language, a bridge between civilisations" - is a call to reaffirm the important role of the language in connecting people through culture, science, literature and much more.
To celebrate the day, the UN's cultural body, Unesco, is organising a panel discussion on Friday where experts, academics and journalists will debate the historic role of the language.
Unesco has also organised an exhibition on "Arabic Language, a Bridge Between Civilisations" with the support of Saudi Arabia's Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation.
The exhibition - displayed on the fences of its headquarters in Paris - runs until December 20. It includes work by 18 artists from 13 countries, deploying techniques from classical calligraphy to contemporary graffiti styles as a way to convey messages of hope, peace, resilience and unity.
The UAE has been leading efforts to sustain the language over the past few years.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, established the "Arabic Language Charter" that seeks to establish the UAE as a global centre of excellence for the language. Sheikh Mohammed previously announced the establishment of the Advisory Council for the Arabic Language, along with a package of initiatives to strengthen the position of the language.
Earlier this year, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and President of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, launched the first 17 volumes of the "Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language".
World Arabic Language Day has been celebrated on December 18 every year since 2012.
The date coincides with the day, in 1973, that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the organisation.
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
BRAZIL SQUAD
Alisson (Liverpool), Daniel Fuzato (Roma), Ederson (Man City); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Emerson (Real Betis), Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG); Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Bayern Munich); David Neres (Ajax), Gabriel Jesus (Man City), Richarlison (Everton), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Willian (Chelsea).
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New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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More on animal trafficking
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
