Doha, Qatar: In line with its mission to promote academic and cultural exchange, Qatar Foundation (QF) has announced the launch of the Tamim Bin Hamad Chair for Arabic Language and Andalusian Culture.
An initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chair has been established in collaboration with the University of Granada, marking an important milestone in strengthening cultural and scientific cooperation between Qatar and Spain. This initiative further reinforces knowledge exchange between QF and leading global academic institutions through Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
The Chair also contributes to reviving the educational and intellectual legacy of the historic Madrasa Yusufiyya in Andalusia.
Reflecting Qatar’s continuous commitment to supporting knowledge and human civilisation, QF continues to highlight the contributions of Islamic civilisation while promoting the Arabic language and enhancing its global academic and cultural presence. Through strategic partnerships with leading research institutions and universities around the world, QF also supports specialised studies in Arabic and Andalusian heritage, enriching human knowledge and contributing to sustainable development in Qatar and beyond.
The official ceremony took place September 2025, with President HBKU, Dr. Ahmad M Hasnah, signing the agreement alongside Rector of the University of Granada, Dr. Pedro Mercado Pacheco.
The Tamim Bin Hamad Chair aims to promote the study of the Arabic Language following the traditional Andalusian methodologies while connecting these with modern academic frameworks.
The initiative will also foster specialised research in Andalusian architecture, arts, and the scientific and cultural history of Granada. Additionally, the Chair will organise seminars, lectures, and exhibitions on Andalusian heritage to promote intercultural dialogue, preserve manuscripts, and support research projects focused on historical texts.
Reflecting its mission to promote Arabic and Islamic studies while enhancing the academic and cultural presence of the Arabic language, HBKU will play a central role in this initiative.
The Chair further strengthens the university’s commitment to showcasing and preserving the Arab-Islamic cultural heritage through diverse educational programmes and research collaborations.
Commenting on the initiative, President HBKU, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah said: “Through HBKU, Qatar Foundation continues to strengthen meaningful collaboration with universities and academic institutions worldwide, reaffirming our commitment to advancing the status of the Arabic language, highlighting its rich civilizational heritage, and enhancing its cultural presence among nations. This collaboration reflects the deep historical and cultural ties connecting the Arab world and Andalusia, where Arabs and Muslims played a distinguished role in human civilisation. It will also broaden the horizons of research and knowledge exchange in the fields of language and culture.”
The Madrasa Yusufiyya was one of Granada’s prominent educational centres, attracting the most distinguished scholars and witnessing the flourishing of Arabic and Islamic studies in Andalusia. Established in 1349, it was a hub of knowledge and research where Arabic language, jurisprudence, medicine, philosophy, mathematics, and astronomy were taught. The school also contributed to shaping generations of scientists and intellectuals. Despite historical transformations, Madrasa Yusufiyya continues to embody a rich cultural and intellectual legacy.
In this regard, Professor of Islamic Studies and History of Religion, College of Islamic Studies, HBKU, Dr. Ibrahim Zein said, “We are pleased to launch the Tamim Bin Hamad Chair for Arabic Language and Andalusian Culture, which adds to our college’s record of distinguished cultural and knowledge initiatives. The Chair not only contributes to advancing Arabic language teaching but also opens new horizons for intellectual dialogue between the Arab World and Europe. Through this collaboration, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding the frontiers of academic research, underscoring the pivotal role the Arabic language has played in the advancement of civilisation.”
Arabist and Professor of Art History, University of Granada, Professor José Miguel Puerta Vílchez emphasised the importance of the Tamim Bin Hamad Chair and said, “Launching the Tamim Bin Hamad Chair for Arabic Language and Andalusian Culture is a great honor for the University of Granada and the entire Spanish community. It represents an exceptional opportunity to strengthen academic and cultural relations between Qatari and Spanish scholars and students, while celebrating the shared Arab-Andalusian spirit and fostering creativity and friendship among nations.”
Rector, University of Granada, Dr. Pedro Mercado, added, “The establishment of the Tamim Bin Hamad Chair marks a significant academic achievement for our university and a great opportunity to deepen our relations with Qatar. It also highlights the historic role of Granada as a center for learning and culture and contributes to promoting the values of dialogue and cooperation among civilizations.”
