The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), through its Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, held the third International Conference on Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers, in partnership with the École Normale Supérieure of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University and the Moroccan Association in Service of the Arabic Language, on 19 and 20 May 2026 in Tetouan, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Teaching Arabic to Non-Arabic Speakers: Issues and Experiences.” The conference brought together more than 50 researchers and experts representing 16 countries.

The conference addressed the rapid transformations taking place in the global education sector, with a focus on the growing international interest in advancing the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers and leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence technologies to modernize curricula, improve pedagogical practices, and enhance the quality of learning in multilingual and multicultural educational environments.

ICESCO was represented at the conference by Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the ICESCO Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, who emphasized during the Organization’s address in the opening session that artificial intelligence constitutes a strategic lever for developing the teaching of Arabic, provided it is employed within a balanced educational vision that takes ethical and human dimensions into account and is grounded in rigorous scientific research and successful field experiences.

He added that ICESCO remains committed to supporting international academic initiatives aimed at advancing the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers and strengthening cooperation among universities, research centers, and international organizations, thereby contributing to expanding the reach of the Arabic language and consolidating its presence in the global digital space.

In the same respect, Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Head of the Language Training Department at ICESCO’s Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, chaired the first scientific session, which was devoted to presenting international experiences in the use of artificial intelligence in teaching Arabic and discussing prospects for developing curricula and smart digital resources.

The conference concluded with a set of scientific and strategic recommendations, emphasizing the importance of evaluating digital educational platforms, expanding the use of smart applications in teaching Arabic, and developing educational policies better equipped to keep pace with technological transformations.