AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
True to its mission of promoting Arabic as a shared human space that nurtures identity, innovation, and community engagement, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) empowers people of determination in its latest initiative.
Believing in their talent and potential to enrich the cultural landscape, the ALC's new programme invites people of determination to explore their creativity through a series of workshops, Arabic calligraphy, and improv acting sessions inspired by their personal experiences.
Speaking to Aletihad, Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, explained that the 'Arabic Through the Eyes of People of Determination' initiative aims to showcase Arabic as a vibrant, expressive language that goes beyond conventional use.
The programme provides people of determination with a wider platform to demonstrate their talents and abilities and contribute to the national cultural movement, Bin Tamim said. "This resonates with the UAE's long-held vision of a cohesive society with equal opportunities for all, its targeted support to communities, and its overall commitment to sustainable development."
In its first phase, the ALC collaborated with special entities and institutions to deliver a series of workshops led by experts in performing and visual arts.
"The workshops focused on Arabic calligraphy and actor preparation, adopting an approach that blended theoretical knowledge with practical application," Bin Tamim said.
The calligraphy sessions encouraged participants to explore the aesthetic, decorative, and expressive qualities of Arabic letters, using them as a visual language to articulate personal identity and cultural belonging.
Meanwhile, the acting workshops centred on improvisation and collaborative scene-building drawn from participants' lived experiences. Designed to build confidence, the sessions helped participants strengthen vocal delivery, maintain eye contact, and perform with ease before an audience.
The initiative extends beyond training. It aims to transform participants' creativity into tangible cultural outputs that can be presented across literary and cultural platforms, Bin Tamim added. "[This approach enriches] Arabic creative content while offering a unique, rarely highlighted perspective."
Participants' work will be showcased at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, a major platform that brings together publishers, libraries, literary agents, cultural institutions, authors, and intellectuals from across the Arab world and beyond. The fair is scheduled to take place on April 11-20.
"Showcasing the outcomes of the initiative at the fair serves to expand its reach by making it accessible to diverse audiences," Bin Tamim said. "This ensures wider engagement and a more enduring positive impact. It broadens the initiative's local and international scope, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global capital of culture, and reaffirming the UAE's commitment to the values of tolerance, equal opportunity, and empowerment."
Beyond championing inclusivity, the initiative comes as part of the ALC's Community Campaign to Promote Sustainable Reading, reflecting the centre's broader goal of embedding reading and language engagement as sustainable cultural practices across society.
"It also aligns with the centre's support for Abu Dhabi's strategy for people of determination, ensuring their meaningful participation in cultural life and creative expression," Bin Tamim said.
