The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Ibdaa Academy for Research and Arabic Language Teaching in Belgium, launched the Training Program in Arabic Language Research and Teaching on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The program aims to strengthen the capacities of more than 50 professors, teachers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in Arabic language education in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom through regular training workshops running until May 2027.

The program’s launch ceremony, held in person in the Belgian capital, Brussels, and online, featured remarks by Mr. Ahmed Ouzzine, Director of the Ibdaa Academy for Research and Arabic Language Teaching. He stated that the partnership with ICESCO seeks to build sustainable academic and educational bridges among institutions, experts, and Arab professionals working in Arabic language education across Europe.

Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of continuous teacher training. He noted that the program’s focus on didactics, pedagogy, and artificial intelligence reflects a profound awareness of the transformations shaping education today.

The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Youssef Ismaili, Head of the Language Training Department at ICESCO’s Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers and the coordinator of the program, and Dr. Anas Hussam Saeed Al-Nuaimi, Head of the Department of Support for International Excellence of the Arabic Language at the Center.

The program covers three main areas: Arabic language teaching, didactics and pedagogy, and artificial intelligence. It is grounded in a vision that considers continuous teacher training essential to improving the quality of Arabic language education. The program also places particular emphasis on artificial intelligence as a promising tool that can be used responsibly to prepare activities, develop educational resources, and analyze learners’ errors.

Training workshops will be held weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the program. Experts from ICESCO’s Center, in cooperation with experts from the Ibdaa Academy, will lead the workshops and provide relevant academic expertise on developing teaching practices, designing activities and resources, and integrating modern technologies into Arabic language education.