As Qatar hosted the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) earlier this month, students from Qatar Foundation (QF) schools participated in the Arabic Language Day celebration held as part of the conference.
The event, organised by Qatar’s Administrative Control and Transparency Authority with the participation of QF, underscored the Arabic language’s role as a bridge for human dialogue and a tool for cultural understanding, while highlighting the importance of investing in the language through education and empowering younger generations.
Students presented a range of contributions, including poetry and formal speeches delivered in classical Arabic.
These performances highlighted the beauty and flexibility of the Arabic language and its role in shaping awareness and identity. The celebration concluded with a group performance that showcased the richness of Arabic and the linguistic and artistic potential it holds, reflecting its depth and authenticity.
Speaking on the occasion, Azlaa al-Qahtani, head of Culture and Identity at QF’s Pre-University Education (PUE), said: “The participation of QF students in this international event reflects QF’s deep belief that empowering students begins with giving them genuine opportunities to express their identity and language in national and international forums.”
She added that the event emphasised that Arabic is not merely a cultural element, but a fundamental pillar in building confident, aware individuals capable of dialogue and effective communication.
Al-Qahtani further noted that the experience helped prepare students to represent Qatar with confidence by engaging them in formal and international settings that allow them to practice public speaking and dialogue before diverse audiences.
“Standing on international platforms and speaking Arabic in a global context strengthens students’ awareness of their role as ambassadors of their identity and culture, and builds their confidence in representing their country with a strong command of language, balanced thinking, and a human-centred message,” she stated.
She added that when students recognise their language’s ability to express universal human concepts such as peace, justice, and dignity, their sense of responsibility toward it grows. This, in turn, deepens their awareness of their role in building a balanced society that is open to the world while remaining firmly rooted in its identity.
From an artistic perspective, Samer Hani Haddad, music arts teacher at Qatar Academy Sidra, part of QF’s Pre-University Education, said the arts, particularly music, play a central role in strengthening students’ linguistic and cultural identity.
“The arts provide students with a creative space to express their sense of belonging. When students engage with the Arabic language through singing and musical performance, it becomes part of their personal experience rather than an academic subject. This reinforces their sense of pride and belonging and deepens their awareness of Arabic culture as a living and dynamic element,” he added.
