Under the patronage of the Minister of Culture. Launch of the Fourth Annual Conference of the King Salman Global Academy

Under the patronage of the Minister of Culture, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, the proceedings of the fourth annual international conference of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language commenced. The conference, titled «Global Lexicography: Experiences, Efforts, and Prospects,» was launched during a ceremony held in Riyadh, attended by the Deputy Minister of Culture, the Secretary-General of the Academy, and a group of cultural leaders, specialists, and interested individuals.

Vision 2030 and Empowering Institutions

The Deputy Minister of Culture delivered a speech at the beginning of the ceremony, stating: «The Kingdom continues its cultural presence regionally and internationally, building upon Saudi Vision 2030, which elevates culture and solidifies its role in development. The cultural sector receives significant attention from our wise leadership, evident in the commitment to supporting its journey, empowering its institutions, and expanding its impact.»

He added: «The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language was launched, honored by the noble name and great mission, embodying this support, serving the Arabic language, and enhancing its status, presence, and usage. This conference extends the Academy’s efforts in solidifying the presence of the Arabic language and affirming its contribution to the global cultural scene.»

Efforts to Support Lexicography

The Secretary-General of the Academy explained during his speech at the ceremony that the conference extends the Academy’s efforts in supporting lexicography and enhancing cooperation with linguistic institutions worldwide. He clarified that the sessions of this edition focus on reviewing successful experiences, discussing challenges, and presenting innovative solutions for developing dictionaries and expanding their scope. He noted that the Academy receives continuous support from the Minister of Culture, Chairman of the Academy’s Board of Trustees, which enhances the implementation of its diverse initiatives contributing to serving the Arabic language locally and globally.

Conference Sessions

The first day featured several scientific and dialogue sessions with participation from national ministries and entities, Arabic language academies, and specialized international institutions. These sessions discussed issues of lexicography, contemporary transformations, and the role of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in developing dictionaries.

The conference continues its scientific program on the second day, addressing topics such as educational and bilingual dictionaries, modern trends in Arabic dictionaries, and terminology dictionaries in science and technology. Additionally, special sessions will discuss aspects of institutional cooperation between Saudi and international bodies.

This conference serves as a specialized knowledge platform for exchanging expertise and exploring ways to develop lexicography in line with digital transformations and artificial intelligence technologies. This falls within the efforts of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language to build a global scientific reference that enhances the status of the Arabic language and supports achieving the objectives of the National Strategy for Culture under the umbrella of Saudi Vision

King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language

The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language was established in 2023 by a royal decree from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Its primary mission is to preserve and promote the Arabic language, support its use in modern contexts, and enhance its global presence through research, education, and cultural initiatives.

Minister of Culture

The term «Minister of Culture» refers to a senior government position, not a physical place or cultural site. This cabinet minister is typically responsible for a nation’s arts, heritage, museums, and cultural policy. The role was first formally established in France in 1959, demonstrating how governments recognize the importance of actively shaping and preserving national culture.

Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, serving as the political and administrative center of the nation. Historically a walled city and a key settlement in the Najd region, it was captured in 1902 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, an event that marked the beginning of the modern Saudi state. The city has since undergone rapid modernization, transforming from a traditional oasis town into a bustling, contemporary metropolis.

Saudi Vision 2030

Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework launched in 2016 to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy. The vision focuses on developing key sectors such as public services, tourism, and technology, while also promoting a more vibrant society. Its goals include strengthening economic and investment activities and increasing non-oil international trade.

National Strategy for Culture

The «National Strategy for Culture» is not a physical place or cultural site, but a government policy framework designed to guide a country’s cultural development. It typically outlines long-term goals, priorities, and actions to support arts, heritage, and the cultural sector. Its history is rooted in a nation’s efforts to formally recognize and strategically invest in culture as a pillar of national identity and social and economic prosperity.

Arabic language academies

Arabic language academies are formal institutions established primarily in the 20th century to regulate, preserve, and modernize the Arabic language. Their key mission is to protect Arabic from foreign influences, create new terms for modern concepts, and oversee matters of grammar and lexicon. The most prominent examples include the Academy of the Arabic Language in Cairo, founded in 1932, which has played a leading role in these efforts.

Arabic language

The Arabic language is a Semitic tongue with origins dating back to the 1st millennium CE in the Arabian Peninsula. It spread globally with the rise of Islam and the expansion of the Arab Empire, becoming the liturgical language of the Quran. Today, it exists in both a standardized classical form and numerous regional dialects, serving as a primary language for over 400 million people.

global cultural scene

«Global cultural scene» refers to the interconnected world of contemporary arts, ideas, and creative expression that transcends national borders. It has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, migration, and trade, but has accelerated dramatically in the modern era due to globalization and digital technology. This dynamic ecosystem includes everything from international art biennials and global music trends to the worldwide circulation of film, literature, and digital media, fostering a continuous dialogue between local traditions and global influences.