The closing ceremony of the Arab Code Week, held under the theme "Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Arabic Language", took place on February 19, 2025, at the ALECSO headquarters in Tunis. This fourth edition of the event saw nearly 3 million participants from various Arab countries, aiming to promote the use of modern technologies to serve the Arabic language and boost digital innovation within the field of language processing.
Attendees included high-profile dignitaries such as the Tunisian Minister of Education, H.E. Mr. Noureddine Nouri, and the Libyan Minister of Education, H.E. Dr. Musa Mohammed Al-Maqrif, along with diplomats and ambassadors from countries accredited to Tunisia. Academic figures and experts specializing in programming and artificial intelligence were also present to witness the culmination of the week-long event.
Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, expressed his joy at hosting the closing ceremony and remarked on the importance of the chosen theme, emphasizing its relevance to enhancing Arabic's digital footprint and preparing future generations for active engagement in digital transformation processes. He noted the impressive turnout of participants as indicative of the growing interest across the Arab world toward programming and artificial intelligence, and the increasing recognition of the need for digital skills to keep pace with global advancements.
Highlighting collaborative efforts, Dr. Ould Amar acknowledged the significant role played by ALECSO's partners, especially the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL), which provided substantial support to the event, underscoring its commitment to developing smart applications for the Arabic language. He also expressed gratitude to the Tunisian Association for Educational Initiatives for its continuous support since the inception of Arab Code Week, contributing to the promotion of programming culture and fostering innovation among Arab youth.
This year's event featured awards for winners across various competition categories, showcasing their innovative AI-powered projects. A discussion session on the future of Arabic language processing amid current technological advancements facilitated intellectual exchange among experts. This collaboration between ALECSO and KSGAAL marks a significant stride toward enhancing joint Arab efforts aimed at supporting technological projects focused on the Arabic language, fostering integration between academic and research institutions, and enriching the Arabic content available on digital platforms.
Dr. Ould Amar reiterated the importance of such competitions, stating they not only showcase individual talents but also collectively signify progress toward enhancing the digital presence of the Arabic language. The successful participation and interest reflect a unified recognition of the necessity to prepare Arab youth for tomorrow's technological landscapes. He underscored the commitment to utilizing AI not merely as technological advancement but as a tool for cultural and linguistic preservation and promotion.
The Arab Code Week is hailed as more than just a competition; it has become a catalyst for innovation and inspiration among young programmers and technologists seeking to blend their Arabic heritage with modern technological opportunities. Looking forward, Dr. Ould Amar expressed optimism for future editions, emphasizing the desire to expand reach and participation, ensuring even wider engagement among the youth across the Arab world.”