Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi’s Arabic Dictionary Secures Guinness World Record
Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi has secured a place in the Guinness World Records. The ruler of Sharjah created the most complete historical dictionary of Arabic language terms used in the Emirate of Sharjah.
H.H Dr. Sheik Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi’s passion for preserving cultural heritage spans decades. His work in education and literature, along with his published books, has substantially advanced Arabic language studies. This dictionary serves as proof of his steadfast dedication to document and protect the region’s linguistic heritage and marks a milestone in his educational and cultural initiatives.
Record-Breaking Achievement Details
The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language earned a spot in the Guinness World Records. It stands as the largest and most extensive historical linguistic project worldwide. H.H. Dr. Sheik Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi supervised this groundbreaking work that has 127 volumes and marks an unprecedented milestone in Arabic linguistics.
This remarkable dictionary has about 73,000 entries and covers more than 21.5 million words. The dictionary’s detailed scope shows:
- 351,000 historical citations from 11,300 linguistic roots
- 91,000 total pages of linguistic documentation
- Support from over 20 linguistic and academic institutions
A dedicated team of 500 researchers and 200 proofreaders worked hard for seven years to create this linguistic masterpiece. Their shared effort across multiple Arab countries serves as proof of successful pan-Arab academic teamwork.
Sheik Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi highlighted that this recognition celebrates everyone’s contribution to the dictionary. The recognition extends to researchers, scholars, reviewers, editors, proofreaders, and the publishing house. Each volume meets the highest quality standards with meticulous attention to production and binding details that ensure easy reading.
Collaborative Development Process
The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language stands as a remarkable example of collaboration across nations and institutions. The project started with 200 language scholars and experts. Later it grew to include 780 team members, which showed its expanding scope and ambition.
The collaborative framework included:
- 500 dedicated researchers
- 200 specialized proofreaders, reviewers, and printers
- Over 20 linguistic and academic institutions
- Teams from Arab countries of all sizes
Sharjah’s partnership with a leading technology company created a well-laid-out development process. The team’s original task assigned word roots from Sharjah, where editors traced their progress from pre-Islamic times to today. Each entry went through multiple rounds of evaluation. Expert reviewers examined completed entries before sending them to academy headquarters in different countries.
Sheik Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi’s guidance helped the project manage to keep rigorous quality standards. The final stage sent entries electronically to Sharjah for additional proofreading. The scientific council in Cairo gave the ultimate approval. The teams pushed forward with new ideas and dedication despite challenges like the global pandemic.
The emirate’s detailed financial, logistical, and moral support continued through all project phases. This steadfast dedication created a detailed linguistic reference that helps researchers and Arabic language enthusiasts worldwide.
Dictionary’s Cultural Impact
The Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language goes way beyond a linguistic achievement. It’s the life-blood that connects past, present, and future generations. This detailed reference work makes Arab cultural identity stronger and helps future generations access the language.
The dictionary’s cultural value shows through several key effects:
- Acts as a bridge that connects younger generations to their linguistic roots
- Offers detailed historical proof from classical and modern Arabic literature
- Opens a cultural gateway to understand Arab civilization
- Helps educational institutions develop their curriculum
The project uses technology that lets researchers and users reach over 20 million Arabic words through a modern digital platform. Teachers benefit from this advancement. Ziad Shatat, director at Sharjah Private Education Authority, points out that “the dictionary will provide educators with tools to better prepare their lessons and make Arabic more appealing to students”.
The dictionary reaches beyond just documenting language. It serves as a detailed cultural archive that follows Arabic words from pre-Islamic times through the Umayyad and Abbasid eras to today’s usage. Sheik Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi’s vision has turned this resource into an unmatched cultural project that raises Arabic language to a distinguished scientific and historical position.
This work proves Arab cooperation works. 13 linguistic academies and about 500 researchers and academics contributed to its creation. Their shared effort created a resource that preserves linguistic heritage and strengthens cultural bonds between Arab nations.
Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi’s Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language represents an unmatched achievement in linguistic scholarship. The dictionary spans 127 volumes and contains over 21.5 million words that showcase Arabic language’s depth and richness throughout centuries.
A remarkable team of 500 researchers and 200 proofreaders from various Arab nations collaborated to create this masterpiece. Their collective effort has produced a detailed resource that scholars, educators, and language enthusiasts worldwide can use. Students and researchers can now access these 73,000 entries through modern digital platforms that connect classical Arabic literature with today’s educational needs.
This groundbreaking work surpasses simple linguistic documentation. The dictionary’s preservation of cultural heritage gives future generations the tools to understand their linguistic roots. Sheik Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi’s team has created an enduring legacy through careful research and steadfast dedication to excellence. Their work strengthens Arab cultural identity and advances Arabic language studies for generations to come.