The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), represented by its Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, held a scientific seminar titled, “Arabic Language and Hassaniya Dialect: Origins, Interrelations, and Spread.” The Seminar was organized in collaboration with Cadi Ayyad Center for Humanities and Legal Studies (CCSHEJ) and Sahara Center for Human and Social Studies, at the National School of Business and Management of Dakhla in Morocco.

The opening session of the Seminar, which took place on July 1-2 , 2024, featured remarks by Mr. Mohamed Salem Hammia, President of the Regional Council of Oued Ed-Dahab, Morocco, and representatives of the Seminar organizers.

In his address, Dr. Majdi Haji Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO Center of Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, emphasized the significance of the Seminar as it reflects ICESCO’s commitment to extending its projects, programs, and activities in the Organization’s Seat Country, while also focusing on the intangible heritage of its Member States. Dr. Majdi noted that the Hassaniya dialect is a vital resource for cultural exchange across continents, nations, ethnicities, identities, and civilizations, as it exemplifies coexistence and the rejection of intolerance, thus promoting the principles of human fraternity and social security.

The Seminar, which saw the participation of Dr. Adham Muhammad Ali, Expert at the said Center, featured several research papers that explored the heritage of Hassaniya dialect, its history, cross-cultural exchange and influence, and proposals for its preservation.