Arabic countries don’t just want their language to be a centerpiece of their national identity — they also view it as a chief national export.
Economic revitalization initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 seek to expand the Arabic language’s prominence in international educational programs and institutions. And in recent months, country officials put in the work doing just that, serving as linguistic ambassadors to the international world.
Just ask Essam bin Saleh Al-Jutaili, who also happens to be an ambassador in the literal sense. In August 2025, the Saudi diplomat to Azerbaijan praised the nation for its strong interest in the Arabic language and urged them to continue in their linguistic curiosity, noting language’s ability to connect differing cultures and foster peaceful relations.
“It is gratifying that even today, Arabic remains highly valued in Azerbaijan. Currently, it is taught in 10 general education schools and 6 leading universities across the country,” he said in his remarks, according to The Caspian Post.
That’s just the beginning of Arabic-speaking countries’ efforts to promote their language worldwide. Mexico, in particular, is the scene of enthusiastic promotion by Saudi institutions and officials as they seek to expand language-learning resources throughout the country.
In late January, two initiatives dramatically increased the Arabic language’s visibility throughout the predominantly Spanish-speaking country. It began with the launch of Arabic Language Month, according to MSN. The event launched throughout Mexico with a ceremony attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Mexico, Fahad bin Ali Al-Manawer, who was accompanied by educational instructors and administrators.
Likewise, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Secretary-General Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi praised the initiative and expressed hope for the future of Arabic education in Mexico, according to Arab News.
“Al-Washmi explained that the program focuses on teaching Arabic to non-native speakers at international academic institutions through scientific training initiatives based on partnership,” Arab News reports. “These initiatives take into account the diversity of educational contexts and the needs of learners and researchers, thus strengthening the presence of the Arabic language in education and scientific research.”
The Arabic Language Month in Mexico served as the ceremonial launch for a suite of scientific and educational events, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. These included training courses for students and instructors, professional development for teachers of Arabic as a second language, a round of Hamza testing to determine learners’ linguistic proficiency, and many other scientific and cultural visits by Arabic officials.
Days prior to the Arabic Language Month event in Mexico, the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language launched Ahlan Wa Sahlan, a language-learning platform designed to help both native and non-native Arabic learners advance their skills. By launching a coordinated promotional campaign and providing the tools to assist in language education, officials are hopeful that they are well on their way to achieving the language goals expressed in Vision 2030 plans throughout the Arabic-speaking world.
“Al-Washmi said the initiative enhances the presence of Arabic in education and scientific research, supporting the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, one of the programs of Saudi Vision 2030,” MSN reports.