Sharjah Ruler Inaugurates Groundbreaking ‘GPT Arabic Dictionary’ Project

Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Supreme President of the Arabic Language Academy, has officially launched the GPT “Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language” project. The historic unveiling took place during the First Sharjah International Conference on AI & Linguistics (SICAL), held at the American University of Sharjah on October 17 and 18.

A New Era for Arabic Language Preservation

The conference, organized in collaboration with the Emirates Scholar Centre for Research and Studies (ESCRS), part of the Emirates Foundation for Science and Research, brings together more than 50 distinguished speakers from various fields, including education, technology, and culture. Attendees include key academic and tech industry leaders. Notably, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, was also present at the launch.

Sheikh Sultan emphasized the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies in safeguarding and promoting the Arabic language. He highlighted the need to address the challenges posed by technological advancements, ensuring that they benefit the preservation of Arabic.

First Look at the GPT Dictionary Project

During the event, His Highness viewed a presentation on the first version of the GPT Arabic Dictionary, the world’s first AI-based digital platform for tracing the history and roots of Arabic vocabulary. The project represents a significant leap in linguistic research, utilizing cutting-edge technology to offer precise and easily accessible information on the Arabic language.

Key Features of the GPT Dictionary

Dr. Firas Habbal, President of ESCRS, and Dr. Fawaz Habbal, Secretary-General of the centre, discussed the unique capabilities of the dictionary. Among the standout features is “Tahawar Ma’ie”, which assists non-Arabic speakers by providing answers to their linguistic questions in a preferred voice, enhancing their understanding of pronunciation and diacritics.

Dr. Firas Habbal explained, “Many non-Arabic speakers struggle with pronunciation, so we developed the Tahawar Ma’ie feature to cater to both Arabic learners and language experts.”

Another groundbreaking innovation is the “Visual Expression” feature. Recognizing the growing preference for visual content on social media, this function enables users to create video clips based on dictionary content, ready for sharing across various platforms.

A Major Step for Arabic Language Advancement

Dr. Amhamed Safi Al-Mostghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy, emphasized the historical importance of the GPT Arabic Dictionary. He pointed out the dictionary’s potential to revolutionize how Arabic speakers, both native and non-native, access and engage with the language’s rich history and evolution.

“The GPT Dictionary will play a crucial role in integrating the Arabic language with contemporary technologies, making it widely accessible and preserving it for future generations,” Dr. Al-Mostghanemi remarked.

A Strategic Initiative for Global Arabic Promotion

This project aligns with Sharjah’s long-standing commitment to promoting the Arabic language on a global scale. With the integration of AI, users will have access to over 20 million Arabic words, and the ability to create and convert texts into engaging video clips. Continuous updates will be made possible through collaboration between the Arabic Language Academy and the Emirates Scholar Centre.

The GPT Historical Dictionary stands as a monumental scientific achievement that documents the evolution of the Arabic language. By leveraging AI, the project provides researchers and linguists with unparalleled tools to trace word origins and study their usage throughout history.

Supporting Arabic Education and Innovation

Beyond its linguistic significance, the dictionary also serves as a valuable educational resource for institutions, enhancing Arabic curricula with modern technological integration. By enriching students’ learning experiences, the project aims to ensure that the Arabic language remains vibrant and relevant in today’s digital world.

The launch of the GPT Arabic Dictionary underscores the Emirate of Sharjah’s dedication to advancing Arabic language studies and ensuring its preservation in the face of contemporary challenges.