Arabic Language Day was celebrated for the first time in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, with organizers highlighting its status regionally and internationally.

The Saudi Society for Arts and Culture and the Zaman Events group staged the event here under the slogan “Lugati Sawari” (Language Wall). The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared Dec. 18 Arabic Language Day in 2010 because this was the date in 1973 the UN General Assembly approved it as one of its six official languages.

Zaid Zarea, the leader of the Zaman Events group and main organizer of the celebrations, told Arab News that this was the first time the day was celebrated in the Kingdom.

“Arabic is our language. It is also the language of the Qur'an, so it is very important for the world's Muslims to learn and understand it. It is our duty to teach Arabic to our children because it is part of our identity.” He said the plan is to ensure the day is celebrated every year in the Kingdom.

This year's event included traditional songs, and Huda Al-Tayeb, a partially blind poet, presented her poetry. Arab director Waell Zamzami presented a play and writer Sameera Madah related various stories.

He said the West Coast Riders, Sea World Divers, Khud Hassana (Do Good Deeds) and many other groups participated in the event. Yousari Ibrahim, a calligrapher, held an exhibition for visitors.

Mohammed Tawfik Bellow, the general manager of the Ebsar Foundation, and Ziad Al-Fadli, a language expert, were the keynote speakers. Rama Saud Dawood and Nebras Zaid Zarea, two youngsters, hosted the program.

Zarea also thanked Rayan Al-Saga and Khalid Al-Kadesi from the Saudi Society for Arts and Culture for organizing the event.