Unlocking the power of Arabic: Raef Yousef explores depths of the classical language at the Sharjah International Book Fair
Noted regional content creator and social media influencer Raef Yousef informed and educated audiences with an insightful session titled “Keys to the Arabic Language” at the ongoing 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).
Held at the fair’s popular Social Media Station, the session explored the profound impact of Arabic on personal identity, the challenges of creating content in proper Arabic, and the key resources essential for mastering the language.
Addressing compelling topics, Yousef delved into how Arabic influences the personalities of its speakers, sharing his experiences in crafting Arabic-language content and offering strategies to overcome associated challenges. With over 1 million Instagram followers, the 28-year-old Instagrammer demonstrated practical approaches to content creation in proper Arabic, highlighting vital research references.
“The richness of the Arabic language is not just in its vocabulary or grammar—it influences how we think, feel, and express ourselves. It’s a cornerstone of identity,” said Yousef, emphasising the language’s pivotal role in shaping worldview and communication styles.
He also offered recommendations for essential research tools that cater to budding writers and seasoned professionals alike. “Creating meaningful content in proper Arabic requires dedication and access to the right tools. With the wealth of resources available, it’s about knowing where to start,” he remarked.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where attendees shared perspectives on the future of Arabic in digital spaces and the importance of educational reform.
Ghufran Alzahawy, a 23-year-old Iraqi student of Arabic Language and Literature, said, “One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how to balance creativity and correctness in content creation. It’s inspiring to see how Arabic can remain true to its roots while evolving to meet the needs of modern audiences.”
Her friend, Nada Tawfiq, 31, from Jordan, added, “The Arabic language is like a treasure chest—the more you explore, the more you discover its beauty and depth. Attending this session helped me appreciate not just its structure but also how it shapes who we are as individuals and as a community.”
For 22-year-old Ziyad Haderi, a sales and customer manager from Aleppo, the session was a highlight of this year’s SIBF. “Arabic is more than just a language—it’s a living legacy that connects us to our past and guides our future. This session opened my eyes to how we can use it creatively while preserving its authenticity.”