The United Arab Emirates government is set to introduce a comprehensive Arabic Language Law as part of a wide-ranging policy roadmap for 2026–2027 aimed at strengthening the role of Arabic across the country.
The plan was presented by the Ministry of Culture of the UAE during a session of the Federal National Council, where officials described the protection of the Arabic language as a national priority tied to cultural identity and security.
At the core of the roadmap is the drafting of the Arabic Language Law, along with executive regulations to create a strong legal framework for promoting and safeguarding the language in all sectors.
The ministry also outlined several parallel initiatives, including the development of a national reading roadmap to boost literacy, cultural policies targeting children and families, and the expansion of programmes at cultural centres nationwide.
Additional projects include national campaigns to document and promote the Arabic language and heritage.
Officials said the government is working to establish robust governance structures for the language at the federal level.
Key measures include national indicators to track Arabic usage, the implementation of a National Identity Strategy, and the formation of a National Identity Committee.
On the global stage, the UAE has strengthened its cultural presence by registering Arabic calligraphy with UNESCO and promoting initiatives such as the Al-Burdah Award.
The roadmap builds on more than a decade of reforms, including the launch of the Arabic Language Charter in 2012, the National Reading Law in 2016, and updated media regulations in 2023 to support Arabic content and creative industries.
Authorities say the upcoming initiatives will further reinforce the status of Arabic while maintaining the country’s commitment to cultural openness and development.
