The Arab cultural scene has witnessed a truly historic moment with the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, one of the most ambitious and far-reaching linguistic projects ever undertaken in the Arab world and beyond. This landmark accomplishment represents not only a scholarly triumph, but also a collective cultural achievement that affirms the enduring vitality of the Arabic language in the modern age.
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani graciously attended the completion ceremony held at Katara Hall in the Fairmont and Raffles Hotels in Doha, lending the occasion its profound national and cultural significance. His Highness hailed the dictionary as a major milestone and a powerful example of “fruitful Arab integration,” reflecting a shared commitment to preserving linguistic heritage through cooperation, knowledge, and scientific rigor.
In a statement published on his official X account, H H expressed his deep appreciation to all those who contributed to the project, affirming Qatar’s pride in hosting and supporting this monumental endeavor. He emphasized that the dictionary strengthens Arab societies’ connection to their cultural identity while encouraging confident engagement with the modern world and its tools.
Coinciding with World Arabic Language Day on December 18, 2025, the project marked another important step with the launch of its new electronic portal. This modern digital platform enhances the global presence of Arabic online, providing researchers and language enthusiasts worldwide with advanced search tools and seamless access to the dictionary’s vast historical content.
In recognition of their outstanding scholarly dedication, H H honored the experts, researchers, and editors who contributed to the dictionary at its various stages. Their tireless efforts have rendered an invaluable service to the Arabic language and to human knowledge as a whole.
The completion of the dictionary constitutes a decisive turning point in Arabic linguistic studies. Developed in accordance with the highest international standards for historical lexicography, it offers researchers an unprecedented, meticulously documented corpus tracing Arabic vocabulary from the earliest authenticated texts to the present day across more than twenty centuries. It maps the evolution of words, their meanings, forms, and usage within their historical contexts, creating a comprehensive semantic history of the language.
This achievement further consolidates Doha’s standing as a leading regional hub for knowledge, linguistics, and cultural innovation, underscoring its role in supporting Arabic language research and future-oriented linguistic applications.
