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On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the opening ceremony for the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Centre for Arabic Language Education (ALC) was held at the Third Building on Hiyoshi Campus. Established within the Keio Research Center for Foreign Language Education under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this initiative serves as a new center of learning for Arabic language education and understanding of Arabic culture.

At the inauguration event, the center welcomed H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, minister of state of the UAE. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and presentation of commemorative gifts were also held at the center, attended by Keio officials, embassy representatives, and other related parties. Afterwards, the venue shifted to the Kyoseikan Collaboration Complex where Keio University President Kohei Itoh gave his opening address. Then, Dr. Mohamed Binhuwaidin, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University, gave an address as guest of honor for the ceremony. The event continued with a commemorative lecture by UAE Minister of State H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi titled "Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak: Trajectory of Her Ideals and Contributions" where she spoke about the various contributions Her Highness Sheikha Fatima has made toward the promotion of education, welfare, and culture, leaving a deep impression on the audience. After the lecture, Vice-President Akiyo Okuda gave an overview of the center and discussed the prospects of the center being utilized as a place of education in a broad range of applications. This was followed by a showcase of a variety of student performances that interweaved both Japanese and Arabic cultures, such as a presentation of creative works in Arabic, a Tsugaru-style shamisen (Japanese lute) performance, and an introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony. Finally, Vice-President Motohiro Tsuchiya delivered his closing remarks, drawing the successful event to an end. Other special programs were held during the week in conjunction with the ceremony, including an Arabic calligraphy workshop and an event offering Arabic cuisine, providing a rare opportunity for students, faculty, and staff members to experience Arab culture. Going forward, the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Centre for Arabic Language Education will serve as a center for deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the Arab world and Japan, with Arabic language education as its main focus, while also functioning as a place for cultural exchange.