The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has earned the appreciation of the Ministry of Education for its initiatives to promote Arabic calligraphy and "Talk to them in Arabic". The ministry honored GACA after its distinctive participation in the International Day for the Arabic Language activities, earmarked by the United Nations on Dec. 18 each year. The GACA's participation was showed off through the many activities and programs carried out at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Special awareness brochures were also issued in this regard. King Khalid airport celebrated the day through writing the names of passengers, especially foreigners in Arabic. This was meant to promote and strengthen the affiliation with the language and introduce foreigners to the beauty of Arabic. Abdul-Aziz Abu-Harba, airport's general manager explained that interaction with social events is one of its civic duties. The celebration of the Arabic Language International Day is an important occasion in promoting the Arabic Language, a language that we are extremely proud of, being the language of the Holy Qur'an. "Arabic is a distinctive language worldwide and we're honored that we belong to the great language on both Arab and Islamic world," he said. King Fahd airport also celebrated Arabic Language International Day under the slogan (Our Language ..... Our Entity and Arab Identity) with the participation of a number of language and social science experts. An initiative (Talk to them in Arabic) was launched with the participation of a number of language and social science experts. A campaign (speak to them) was launched and a number of awareness brochures were issued, in addition to the launch of interactive platforms across social media websites. The festivities included a segment (Talk to them in Arabic) and another segment (spread the word benefit and let other benefit from you), which include a library and an encouragement campaign to spread the culture of reading. The festivities also included a corner for (storyteller) for kids. Turki Aljaouni, director of the airport, said his facility is in an interactive entity for social issues, and act as an interface and entrance to the Kingdom. "It's, therefore, our duty to promote our Arabic language, and be proud of it, where it reflects our national identity, especially since it is the language of the Qur'an." He said the airport directorate is continuing to organize such events, which offer a perfect picture of the Kingdom and its extraordinary international role. It also helps the airport to stay connected with national social events and to integrate all efforts to reflect the bright image of the community at large and a country as whole.
