Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is preparing to host the Arabian Days Festival — a celebration of all things Arabic, from language and literature to arts and culture.
Arabian Days 2025 is running from December 13 to 15 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and brings together speakers, poets, authors, artists and performers to participate in workshops, concerts and cinema that aim to inspire, educate and engage the community while highlighting the richness of Arabic language and culture.
Themed “Arabic is the Vibe”, the award-winning festival, which was launched in 2023, is held just before UNESCO’s World Arabic Language Day on December 18.
Panel DiscussionsA programme of panel discussions and bonfire conversations will be presented over the three days. These sessions bring together prominent Arab musicians, poets, filmmakers, scholars and cultural figures to explore the evolution of the Muwashah (form of Arabic poetry) and its influence on musical and poetic traditions, the relationship between sound, memory and identity, the growing contribution of young filmmakers to contemporary Arabic storytelling, the aesthetic power of Arabic in literature and artistic expression, and the enduring symbolism of the Arabian horse as a cultural narrative.
Performances and Workshops
The festival also presents a wide range of cultural and creative activities including musical performances, artistic showcases, immersive activations and hands-on workshops. The programme features a two-day conference delivered in collaboration with New York University Abu Dhabi on AI-driven innovation in world language education, as well as a three-day storytelling bootcamp presented by CNN Arabic to support emerging talent in Arabic media.
It also includes short film screenings and youth-focused sessions curated in partnership with the Creative Media Authority through Arab Film Studio, highlighting emerging voices and new creative perspectives from across the region.
Family Activities
The festival further offers activities designed for families and young audiences, including robotics and Lego-based workshops, interactive Arabic-themed games and a selection of family-friendly performances such as puppet theatre and musical storytelling.
This edition places youth at its centre through activations led by young creators and collaborations with emerging local enterprises, reinforcing the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s commitment to empowering the next generation and promoting pride in the Arabic language and its cultural heritage.
The festival also brings together notable cultural partners and community institutions with a shared mission to honour tradition while inspiring future audiences.
