The University of Granada in Spain has officially launched the Tamim bin Hamad Chair for Arabic Language and Andalusian Culture, an academic program supported by Qatar aimed at reviving the intellectual and cultural legacy of Andalusia. The initiative focuses on promoting the history of coexistence and intercultural dialogue that characterized the region during its historical period.

The inauguration ceremony took place on June 15, 2026, with the presence of Dr Khalid bin Fahd al-Khater, Director of Policy Planning at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a member of the chair’s board of trustees. Dr al-Khater, who also serves as President of New Ground Research, joined the University of Granada’s Vice-President Prof Margarita Sanchez Romero, and the chair’s co-directors Dr Jose Miguel Vilchez and Dr Ibrahim Mohamed Zein.

In his remarks, Dr al-Khater described the chair as a significant academic endeavor intended to study Andalusia’s history and extract lessons applicable to future societal development. He emphasized that the establishment of the chair marked a milestone in cultural and academic relations between Qatar and Spain and represented enduring connections that transcend geography and time. The chair was originally announced during the inaugural Qatar-Spain Strategic Dialogue.

The initiative aims to recover Andalusia’s intellectual heritage as a historical example of peaceful coexistence and intercultural exchange. Dr al-Khater highlighted Qatar’s commitment to knowledge and culture as foundational elements of social cohesion, noting the country’s dedication to supporting scientific research, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting the Arabic language as a key instrument of thought and scholarship that has influenced human civilization.

Additionally, Dr al-Khater announced that the New Ground Research foundation would assist in translating and localizing the University of Granada’s website into Arabic. This effort is intended to provide direct access for Arabic speakers to the university’s academic programs, research output, and scientific resources, further fostering inclusive scholarly engagement across linguistic boundaries.