Sharjah24: On Monday morning, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the Supreme President of the Arabic Language Academy received a delegation of students who are studying the Arabic language at Austrian universities, Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre.

His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, welcomed the guests of Sharjah, a city rich in history related to the Arabic language. His Highness noted that the Centre hosts intellectuals, writers, and specialists who discuss various cultural, scientific, and historical matters, in a place where love, sincerity, and religion gather. the Arabic language is an essential part of these discussions to obtain useful outcomes that enhance people's understanding of the language.
During his speech, Mudar Abdulrahman Al Khoja, the Secretary-General of the Hammer-Purgstall Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he received. He also commended the efforts of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, for his attention to the Arabic language and for establishing various Arab and Islamic colleges and academies. These efforts have made Sharjah a beacon of knowledge and science that dazzles everyone who visits it.
Al Khoja introduced the delegation, which consisted of 15 students from 5 universities across Austria who belong to different faculties such as Arabic studies, Islamic sciences, law, and translation. Al Khoja mentioned that the students expressed their admiration for the knowledge and language skills available in Sharjah, provided in Arabic which helps strengthen the language skills of its learners.
During the meeting, His Highness was briefed by the Secretary-General and his delegation on the efforts made by Austrian universities to teach the Arabic language and its historical origins, tracing back to the founders of the universities. Austria has over 700 teachers who educate more than 100,000 students on the teachings of Islam and the Arabic language.
The students will be attending an intensive course in the Arabic language and literature provided by the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah. The course aims to improve their proficiency in the language and its branches. Additionally, the academy will organise trips to institutions related to the Arabic language and the Holy Qur’an in Sharjah, providing opportunities to get an insight into the language's history. The academy offers a variety of services to help teach and promote the Arabic language and its culture.
At the end of the meeting, the delegation expressed their gratitude to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, for his unwavering support towards the students in Europe who are keen to learn the Arabic language. They also thanked him for opening the gates of Sharjah and its specialised institutions to these students, enabling them to become the finest ambassadors for Sharjah and showcase its scientific status and commitment to knowledge worldwide.
Upon receiving special publications and souvenirs, His Highness took group photos with the delegation.

The reception was attended, in addition to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, by Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Khaled Butti Al Hajri, Director General of the University City in Sharjah; Dr. Mohammed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah; Ümit Vural as President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria. Hammer Hammer-Purgstall, Chairman of the Hammer-Purgstall Foundation, and several deans and students of faculties at Austrian universities.