King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia has instructed the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) to establish a Mauhad, or institution, in the Maldives dedicated to teaching the Arabic language. This initiative is part of the kingdom's broader efforts to promote the Arabic language globally.
In an official statement, IMSIU announced the appointment of Dr Saleh bin Suleiman Al-Arajah as the director of the proposed institution. Dr Saleh will collaborate with the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the Maldives to operationalise the Arabic language institute, according to IMSIU.
President of IMSIU, Professor Ahmad Salem Mohammad Al-Ameri, highlighted that the institution aims to strengthen the fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and the Maldives. He underscored the dual mission of promoting moderate humanitarian and cultural behaviour, alongside offering high-quality education.
Following this directive, Mutlaq bin Abdullah Al-Ajalin, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Maldives, met with Dr Saleh to review the project's progress. The interest in establishing such an institute was first expressed by IMSIU in July 2024, initiating discussions with the Maldivian Ministry of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development.
The ministry highlighted the significance of the proposed Arabic language centre in advancing the teaching of Arabic to Maldivian students, as well as fostering broader promotion of the language.