Language enthusiasts of all ages gathered to celebrate the European Day of Languages in Abu Dhabi, an annual event promoting linguistic diversity, cultural exchange, and intercultural understanding. Organised by the European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) UAE and several European embassies, the event took place yesterday (Thursday) at the Spanish School of Abu Dhabi. A number of European Ambassadors were in attendance.

Attendees learned about various language study options available both in the UAE and across Europe. They also enjoyed a wide range of educational activities, including quizzes, conversation sessions, and language trivia, with opportunities to win exciting giveaways and prizes.

In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, highlighted the event's significance:

The European Day of Languages is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the cultural and people-to-people ties between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates. We believe that promoting language learning and cultural exchange, results in fostering mutual understanding. It enriches the relationship between our regions.

With over 200 languages spoken across Europe, the European Day of Languages serves as a reminder of the importance of language learning in promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation for the continent's rich linguistic and cultural diversity.

Participating organisations included the EU Delegation to the UAE, Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Abu Dhabi, Institut Français in the UAE, Alliance Française Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University, and the embassies of Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and Ukraine.