A cultural seminar held at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on September 16 paid tribute to the late Kuwaiti pioneer Mohammed Al-Sharekh, recognized for his foundational contributions to Arabic computing. The event, titled “Al-Sharekh: When the Computer Mastered Arabic,” gathered prominent figures including Riyadh Al-Sharekh, Kuwaiti author Saud Al-Sanousi, writer and publisher Samuel Shimon, and researcher Dr. Abdullah Al-Madani. The discussion was moderated by Abeer Al-Baloushi.

The seminar focused on Al-Sharekh’s influential role in integrating the Arabic language into digital technology. Panelists highlighted his pioneering work in developing specialized Arabic software, expanding digital content in Arabic, and establishing an essential foundation for the language within the computing sector during its early stages.

Riyadh Al-Sharekh chronicled his father’s technological journey, underscoring key milestones such as the creation of the “Sakhr” Arabic software framework, which was developed between 1983 and 2004. He also drew attention to two notable applications: the “Al-Sharekh Archive,” a digital repository of literary and cultural magazines, and “Sahihli” (Correct Me), emphasizing how these tools facilitated broader access to Arabic language content in the digital realm.

The seminar underscored the significance of Al-Sharekh’s vision, which linked technological innovation with the preservation and promotion of Arab linguistic and cultural identity. His work not only advanced hardware and software solutions but also concentrated on enriching digital Arabic content, ensuring the language’s active role in the evolving computer age.

Attendees noted that Al-Sharekh’s efforts marked a pioneering Kuwaiti contribution to the technological landscape of the Arab world, with impacts resonating across decades. The intersection of language, culture, and technology in his work was portrayed as inseparable, with his dedication to preserving Arab cultural memory in digital formats seen as a key aspect of his legacy.

Beyond technical achievements, the seminar highlighted how Al-Sharekh's projects fostered cultural preservation and accessibility. Initiatives like the Al-Sharekh Archive demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding literary and cultural heritage, making it digitally available and thus extending its reach and relevance.

The event concluded by positioning Mohammed Al-Sharekh’s contributions as critical in the history of Arabic computing, recognizing his role in placing Arabic language and culture firmly within the realm of modern digital technology.