During the Fair, MBRF successfully launched the first phase of its initiative to train 15,000 Arabic language teachers
Dubai, UAE, August 2026 – The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) is participating in the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair 2026, featuring a comprehensive knowledge program. This includes a series of events, meetings, and strategic partnerships aimed at supporting the Arabic language, enhancing cooperation in the fields of education, publishing, and translation, as well as strengthening knowledge-based communication between Arab, Turkish, and international institutions.
The Fair serves as a pioneering platform convening leading global publishing houses and knowledge institutions, providing a distinct space for networking, exchanging expertise, and building partnerships in fields related to knowledge, literature, and science. MBRF commenced its participation in the event by attending the official opening ceremony on 15 August 2026 and attending a diverse range of intellectual events.
As part of its knowledge program, MBRF, in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye and in partnership with the Akdemistanbul Language Center, launched an initiative to train 15,000 Arabic language teachers. The initiative was announced last year, and its first phase will commence with the training of 1,000 teachers.
As the local partner for implementing the initiative, Akdemistanbul will provide the requisite coordination and follow-up for the training program, while supporting the execution of its activities in Türkiye. This approach will enhance the integration of educational and knowledge-based expertise among the participating entities.
The initiative further aims to develop the professional and educational capabilities of teachers by equipping them with modern knowledge, tools, and methodologies that elevate the quality and efficiency of the educational process.
H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: “Our participation in the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair highlights MBRF’s ambitious vision to expand the scope of its knowledge and educational partnerships on a global scale, particularly through the launch of sustainable initiatives for capacity building and knowledge transfer. In this regard, the launch of the new initiative represents an important milestone towards empowering educators and equipping them with skills that support the development of the educational process. It also contributes to strengthening the role of the Arabic language as a bridge for knowledge and intellectual communication across civilizations.”
Dr. Cihad Demirli, Deputy Minister of National Education in the Republic of Türkiye, stated: “We greatly value this partnership as it reflects our shared commitment to elevating the quality of education, investing in the development of educational competencies, and fostering a long-term pathway for capacity building among Arabic language teachers. We believe that this initiative is integral to empowering teachers and leveraging modern educational expertise, thereby driving sustainable impact within the educational system.”
Dr. Muhammed Ağırakça, General Director of Akdemistanbul, said: “MBRF’s participation in the Fair reflects our shared vision of strengthening the presence of the Arabic language globally while broadening the horizons of knowledge and cultural cooperation. We take great pride in our long-standing partnership with MBRF and the opportunities it provides to launch impactful projects for enriching the Arabic language and promoting expertise exchange between institutions in Türkiye and the wider Arab world. We further reaffirm our commitment to supporting the implementation of joint initiatives for enhancing the broader educational ecosystem.”
MBRF’s participation in the Fair continues with a series of meetings and knowledge events, including a gathering at the Publishers’ Corner, uniting Arab and Turkish publishers, as well as publishers from non-Arabic-speaking countries. The meeting aims to explore the current state of the publishing industry, identify opportunities to strengthen cooperation in translation, content creation, and the exchange of publications, as well as examine ways to disseminate Arab intellectual and knowledge content to wider audiences around the world.
Notably, the program will include a dialogue session with H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb on the book ‘The Legacy of Muslim Sicily’, highlighting its role in revisiting the Arab and Islamic civilizational presence in Sicily, along with its historical and intellectual contributions. Following the session, a contract will be signed to translate and publish the book in Turkish. This will support ongoing efforts to bring Arab knowledge content to new readers, reinforcing the role of translation as a tool of intellectual dialogue between civilizations.
