President Sheikh Khalifa ordered the establishment of an Arabic language centre in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The aim of the centre will be to bring attention to the Arabic language and encourage its use in all official communications.

The centre will also perform periodical reviews for Arabic language curriculums at schools to ensure pupils are engaging in the content and developing a strong grasp of Arabic. The reviews will also help deduce what the challenges facing modern Arabic language are, reported state news agency Wam.

The centre will be responsible for preparing studies and reports about Arabic content, launch initiatives to enhance Arabic materials and spread awareness initiatives to support Arabic language development.

It will measure how effectively language is being used to enhance Emirati national identity while strengthening a culture of Arabic reading throughout the community.

Other projects include plans for scientific research in Arabic and translation to encourage non-Arabic speakers to learn the language and establishing Arabic language libraries, Arabic language art works, book fairs and conferences.

The Abu Dhabi Arabic language centre will fall under Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism and be chaired by Dr Ali bin Tamim.

Promoting Arabic language and preserving cultural heritage has long been a priority within the UAE with schools frequently called upon to bolster teaching programmes.

Last year, Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, called on Abu Dhabi’s Executive Committee to develop new programmes to enhance Arabic language skills and foster storytelling through poetry among the community.

He said the aim of the initiative was to revive Emirati cultural traditions and to ensure young people were able to learn the skills.