2025/06/09
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, an opening ceremony was held for the Sheikha Fatima Arabic Learning Center (ALC) at School Building 3 on Hiyoshi Campus. This center was established within the Research Center for Foreign Language Education with the support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of the Nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and serves as a new hub for learning aimed at promoting Arabic language education and understanding of Arab culture.
On the day of the ceremony, Her Excellency Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State from the UAE, was welcomed, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony and gift exchange were held by officials at the center. The ceremony then moved to the Fujiwara Hiroshi Hall in the Kyoseikan Collaboration Complex, where President Kohei Itoh delivered the opening remarks, followed by a guest speech from Bin Fuaiden, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at UAE University. This was followed by a commemorative lecture by Minister Maitha Al Shamsi titled "Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak: A Journey of Vision and Giving," which deeply impressed the audience by highlighting Her Highness Sheikha Fatima's contributions to education, welfare, and cultural promotion. After the lecture, Vice-President Akiyo Okuda presented an overview of the center and spoke about the prospects for its broad use as an educational hub. Next, students presented a variety of performances that blended both Japanese and Arab cultures, including original creative works in Arabic, a Tsugaru-shamisen performance, and a tea ceremony demonstration. Vice-President Motohiro Tsuchiya delivered the closing remarks, bringing the successful ceremony to a close. In addition, as special events coinciding with the ceremony, an Arabic calligraphy workshop and an event serving Arab cuisine were held during the week, providing a valuable opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to experience Arab culture. Moving forward, the Sheikha Fatima Arabic Learning Center will focus on Arabic language education while also functioning as a venue for cultural exchange, playing a key role as a hub for deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the Arab world and Japan.