UNESCO marks World Arabic Language Day with a cultural performance at its Paris headquarters, under the theme "Arabic Language and Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Dialogue and Mutual Understanding".
6:30 – 8:00 PM Paris time (CET)
Every year on 18 December, the world marks World Arabic Language Day — the date in 1973 when the UN General Assembly adopted Arabic as one of its official languages.
For 2026, UNESCO's theme is "Arabic Language and Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Dialogue and Mutual Understanding". UNESCO is hosting a cultural performance at its headquarters in Paris from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
Wherever you are, it is a lovely day to read a page of the Quran slowly, learn a few new Arabic words, or start your Arabic journey. Event details are on UNESCO's page.
An online competition for memorising and reciting the Quran, for men and women living in Europe or the Americas. Entry is by audio recording.
A three-day Islamic convention in Atlanta with talks and programmes for the whole family, themed "Prophetic Path: Turning Tides, Shaping the Future".
A free Quran memorisation competition for brothers and sisters in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, with online auditions and a live final in Oslo.