Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has embarked on initiatives to establish new academic and cultural partnerships in North Macedonia. This move aims to enhance the global reach of the Arabic language and boost North Macedonian participation in the forthcoming 2026 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF).
According to Emirates News Agency, ALC Chairman Dr Ali bin Tamim led a delegation to meet with North Macedonian government officials, academics, and cultural leaders. The discussions concentrated on Arabic language education, translation, publishing, heritage preservation, and academic exchange in preparation for the ADIBF, scheduled to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 13th to 18th September 2026.
The talks also aimed at increasing the involvement of North Macedonian publishers, museums, libraries, and cultural institutions in the fair. Key areas of cooperation include promoting Arabic language teaching, translation projects, heritage digitisation, and cultural exchange.
At Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Dr bin Tamim met Prof. Vladimir Martinovski to discuss academic cooperation, exchange programmes, and the possibility of establishing an Arabic language track. A collaborative effort on developing Macedonian-Arabic dictionaries was also explored.
Meetings with Marija Gjorgova, State Secretary at North Macedonia's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, focused on encouraging North Macedonian publisher participation in ADIBF 2026. Discussions included showcasing Balkan culture in the fair's cultural programme, promoting translation and publishing rights exchanges, and participation in the Arabian Days Festival.
The delegation's visit to the Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia involved discussions with Director Magdalena Manaskova on joint publishing projects. The museum's extensive collection of over 6,000 artefacts offers potential for showcasing its publications at ADIBF.
At the St. Clement of Ohrid National and University Library, discussions with Director Jovica Nikcevski covered preserving and improving access to documentary heritage. The library, home to approximately 2,000 Arabic manuscripts, reflects historical cultural ties. Plans to exhibit selected manuscripts at ADIBF 2026 and collaborate on digitisation and preservation were also discussed.
The visit concluded with a meeting with Borcho Aleksov from North Macedonia's Ministry of Education and Science. Discussions focused on expanding Arabic language teaching in universities through programme development, accreditation, teacher training, and academic exchange.
