Academy of the Arabic Language in Cairo, organization
The Academy of the Arabic Language in Cairo is a learned society and language regulator dedicated to the study and advancement of Arabic. It houses an extensive library containing over 40,000 books, including rare manuscripts, and maintains a collection of approximately 170,000 terms across fields such as science, medicine, and the arts.
The academy was established in 1932 through a royal decree after decades of efforts to create an official institution protecting the Arabic language. This founding came as a response to earlier pressures to modernize the language while preserving its traditional foundations and deep roots.
The academy stands as a place where Arabic is upheld as a core part of identity and faith. Visitors can observe how scholars from across the Arab world work together to keep the language alive while respecting its traditional foundations.
Visitors should allow time to explore the library and its extensive collection, as there is substantial material covering various aspects of Arabic language and scholarship. Those interested in linguistics, language history, or Arab culture will find the facility offers deep access to dictionaries, manuscripts, and research materials.
From its inception, the academy was deliberately established with scholars from across Arab countries as well as from Western nations, reflecting the belief that language protection is strengthened through international academic exchange. This open composition was unusual for a national language institution and has shaped its work ever since.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.