Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has called on Arab youth to preserve their native language.
“Our Arabic language has always been one of learning and science,” Shaikh Mohammad wrote in an open letter addressed to Arab youth. “It will not fail to absorb and adapt to the sciences and discoveries of our day.”
The letter was published in the inaugural issue of Popular Science Arabia — the Arabic edition of the renowned scientific magazine Popular Science.
“We live in a time of rapid changes, monumental achievements, and profound knowledge and discoveries. It is imperative that we evolve, adapt and learn at the same pace as our world is transforming,” Shaikh Mohammad wrote in the letter.
“Above all, we must learn in our own language and within our own culture.”
He continued: “I have great faith in the people of this region, and I am confident that with their skills and aptitudes, our culture will thrive, embrace the knowledge revolution sweeping across the globe and contribute to it in all scientific disciplines.”
Future warning
The new Arabic language magazine was a “first step” in this direction, Shaikh Mohammad added.
“This magazine is a first step that will undoubtedly be followed by further measures and initiatives from figureheads, decision makers, stakeholders and anyone with an interest in the knowledge and scientific ambitions of our region.”
But he also warned the region that a delay in innovation and discovery would carry a “hefty price tag”.
“My message to the people of this region is not to wait but to seize the initiative,” Shaikh Mohammad wrote.
“Waiting can come with a hefty price tag of wasted time and missed opportunities. The time is ripe for scientific discoveries — seize the day and aspire to create new opportunities for knowledge and invention.
“Our ancestors built one of the most prominent civilisations in history: our youth are more than capable of restoring and advancing our cultural eminence.”
Founded in 1872 in the United States, Popular Science targets an audience of non-expert science and technology enthusiasts. The magazine publishes articles by successful world-famous scientists and pioneers in science and technology.
