Sharjah Ruler Officially Inaugurates Sharjah International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Linguistics 2024

📷Courtesy of WAM. All rights reserved.

Sharjah, October 12, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the first Sharjah International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Linguistics (SICAL) on Thursday at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). The groundbreaking event, organized in collaboration with the Emirates Scholar Centre for Research and Studies, focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and language, exploring the transformative effects of AI on global communication.

In his keynote speech, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan highlighted the importance of harnessing AI for linguistic development. “We face numerous challenges daily, as scientific breakthroughs occur almost every hour, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence,” he remarked, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to incorporating AI in Arabic language preservation.

The conference also marks the completion of the Historic Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a monumental 127-volume lexicographical achievement initiated by Sharjah. Sheikh Dr. Sultan announced that the dictionary would soon be available for computational studies, underscoring the role of AI in furthering linguistic research and development.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, echoed these sentiments in her speech, noting the critical role of AI in safeguarding cultural identity and linguistic heritage. “As artificial intelligence technologies evolve rapidly, so does our responsibility to ensure they contribute positively to our linguistic and cultural identity,” she stated.

The two-day conference, featuring over 50 speakers and more than 20 workshops, brings together global experts to discuss the ethical, technological, and cultural implications of AI on language. The event positions Sharjah as a leading hub for linguistic research and AI innovation in the region, fostering international collaboration on responsible AI applications that promote cultural inclusivity and diversity.