King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language

What King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language does

King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) is a Saudi government institution established under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, operating under the Ministry of Culture as the official national body for Arabic language affairs and international Arabic language engagement. Its activities are organized around four strategic axes: Language Policy, Computational Linguistics, Education and Learning, and Linguistic Culture, and it explicitly contributes to Saudi Vision 2030's Human Capability Development Program.

KSGAAL operates an integrated digital platform ecosystem including Siwar (lexicographic dictionaries), Falak (language corpus and blogs), Al-Mustashar (linguistic consulting), the Riyadh Dictionary of Contemporary Arabic, Ahlan wa Sahlan (Arabic teaching for native and non-native speakers), a Digital Library, and the Arabic Language Exhibition. The Academy has developed proprietary assessment and benchmarking assets including the Hamza Arabic proficiency test aligned to CEFR standards, the Balsam Index for evaluating AI technologies in Arabic NLP, an Arabic Language Innovation Accelerator, and an annual Arabic Hackathon. It also delivers terminology dictionaries co-developed with Saudi ministries (Energy, Sports, Human Resources, Industry, Railways, Equestrian, Falconry, Behavioral Science, Non-Profit), language immersion programs through the Abjad Center (166 recent graduates from over 20 nationalities), the Children's Recitation Challenge, and the annual international conference.

The Academy is government-funded with revenue derived entirely from Saudi state budget allocations rather than commercial transactions; pricing is not publicly disclosed. Its go-to-market combines direct institutional engagement with Saudi government agencies and 18 Saudi universities, self-serve digital platforms serving global users, and event-driven international outreach including Arabic Language Month programs in multiple countries and participation in nine or more international book fairs. Customer segments span Saudi government and public sector employees (primary institutional buyers), Arabic language learners globally, academic researchers, and ministries requiring standardized sector-specific Arabic terminology.

Name

King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language

Legal name

King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language

Website

https://ksaa.gov.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is a Saudi government institution under the Ministry of Culture serving as the official national body for Arabic language affairs. It operates digital lexicographic platforms, AI benchmarking tools, CEFR-aligned proficiency testing, and international cultural programs aligned with Vision 2030.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Language Services

NAICS

Language Schools (611630)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

General Language Schools & Institutes (EDAMAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Exam Preparation for Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/DELE/HSK/JLPT, etc.) (EDAMAFAF)

Keywords

• Arabic language education
• Computational linguistics
• Language policy research
• Arabic proficiency testing
• Lexicographic resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funded Programs: The Academy operates as a government institution under the Saudi Ministry of Culture, funded through government budgets and allocations as part of Saudi Vision 2030's Human Capability Development Program. Revenue is derived from state funding rather than commercial transactions.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language is the official Saudi government body responsible for Arabic language affairs, operating digital language platforms (Siwar dictionaries, Falak corpus, Al-Mustashar consulting, Riyadh Dictionary, Ahlan wa Sahlan education, Digital Library, Arabic Language Exhibition), delivering CEFR-aligned Arabic proficiency testing (Hamza), running language skills development programs for government and private sector employees, benchmarking Arabic AI technologies (Balsam Index), and developing standardized Arabic terminology dictionaries in cooperation with ministries.

Product overview

King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) operates a comprehensive platform ecosystem focused on Arabic language preservation, education, and technological advancement. The portfolio includes digital dictionary platforms (Siwar, Riyadh Dictionary), educational platforms (Ahlan wa Sahlan, Abjad Center), linguistic consulting tools (Al-Mustashar), cultural exhibition spaces, language proficiency testing (Hamza Test), and innovation initiatives (Arabic Innovation Accelerator, Arabic Hackathon, Balsam Index for AI evaluation). The academy also manages specialized programs including linguistic immersion, children's competitions, and scientific publishing initiatives. The organization functions as both a research institution and technology platform provider, with its digital platforms serving both native Arabic speakers and international learners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Siwar (سوار): Language dictionaries platform providing access to Arabic linguistic resources
• Falak (فلك)
• Al-Mustashar (المستشار اللغوي)
• Riyadh Dictionary (معجم الرياض)
• Ahlan wa Sahlan (أهلًا وسهلًا)
• Arabic Language Exhibition (معرض اللغة العربية)
• Hamza Test (اختبار همزة)
• Abjad Center (مركز أبجد)
• Balsam Index (بلسم)
• Arabic Language Innovation Accelerator (مسرعة ابتكارات اللغة العربية)

Products and services

• Siwar Platform - Language Dictionaries (منصة سوار للمعاجم اللغوية) A digital platform providing access to Arabic language dictionaries and lexicographic resources for researchers, scholars, students, and general language users.
• Falak Platform - Language Blogs and Corpus (منصة فلك) A digital platform for language blogs and Arabic language corpora providing rich linguistic content suitable for studying Arabic language phenomena.
• Al-Mustashar Platform - Language Consultant (المستشار اللغوي) A platform offering linguistic consulting services and providing accessible, accurate language information for those who need it.
• Riyadh Dictionary of Contemporary Arabic Language (معجم الرياض للغة العربية المعاصرة) A comprehensive dictionary of modern standard Arabic developed by the Academy as a major lexicographic reference for contemporary Arabic.
• Ahlan wa Sahlan Educational Platform (أهلًا وسهلًا) A digital educational platform specialized in teaching Arabic to both native and non-native speakers.
• Digital Library (المكتبة الرقمية) A digital repository of publications and research outputs related to Arabic language and culture from the Academy.
• Arabic Language Exhibition (معرض اللغة العربية) A cultural exhibition presenting a unique linguistic experience, enhancing the status of the Arabic language as a civilizational landmark.
• Hamza Test - Arabic Language Proficiency Test (اختبار همزة) Arabic language proficiency test built to the highest standards according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for non-native speakers for academic purposes; administered at 18 Saudi universities and educational centers.
• Abjad Center for Arabic Language Teaching (مركز أبجد) A center for teaching Arabic language to non-native speakers with graduates from more than 20 nationalities represented.
• Language Skills Development Programs - Phase 6 Training programs delivered to government employees, private sector, and non-profit organization staff covering language skills, professional writing, administrative correspondence, content creation, and legal drafting, delivered in cooperation with the Institute of Public Administration.
• Balsam Index - Arabic AI Technology Benchmark (مؤشر بلسم) An index evaluating AI technologies for the Arabic language, measuring the maturity of AI technologies in Arabic language processing.
• Linguistic Immersion Programs (برنامج الانغماس اللغوي) Short-term educational programs targeting non-native Arabic learners for special purposes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 62 training courses delivered in Phase 6, targeting 1,550 trainees across 6 specialized programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, flagship and minor.

• Institute of Public Administration (معهد الإدارة العامة)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026The Academy collaborates with the Institute of Public Administration to deliver Phase 6 of language skills development programs targeting government employees, private sector, and non-profit staff, with 62 courses and 1,550 trainees planned.
• King Abdulaziz University (جامعة الملك عبدالعزيز)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Collaboration on the 'Qualifying Arabic Experts Worldwide' program (second edition), with 24 experts from 18 countries participating, aiming to develop Arabic language experts globally.
• Muslim World League (رابطة العالم الإسلامي)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2025The Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Muslim World League for cooperation in the field of serving the Arabic language, combining the Academy's linguistic expertise with the League's global Islamic network to promote Arabic language worldwide.
• General Authority for Supply Development and Decision Support (مركز دعم اتخاذ القرار)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025The Academy launched the 'Behavioral Science Dictionary' in cooperation with the Decision Support Center, contributing to Arabic terminology standardization in specialized scientific fields.
• Education Evaluation Commission (هيئة تقويم التعليم والتدريب)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Signed a cooperation agreement with the Education Evaluation Commission during the Academy's 4th Annual International Conference to advance Arabic language education quality standards.
• King Abdullah International Center for Arabic Language Studies (مركز الملك عبدالله الدولي لدراسات اللغة العربية)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Cooperation in organizing scientific programs internationally, including Australia, to promote Arabic language education worldwide through the Academy's global network.
• Mohammed bin Zayed University for Humanities (جامعة محمد بن زايد للعلوم الإنسانية)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University during the Academy's 4th Annual International Conference for cooperation in Arabic language research and education.
• King Abdulaziz Library (دارة الملك عبدالعزيز)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Signed a cooperation agreement with the King Abdulaziz Library during the Academy's 4th Annual International Conference for joint initiatives in Arabic language preservation and research.
• General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (الأمانة العامة لمجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025The Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the GCC General Secretariat to coordinate efforts in serving the Arabic language across Gulf countries.
• Saudi Ministry of Energy (وزارة الطاقة)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration to launch the 'Energy Terminology Dictionary' providing standardized Arabic terminology in the energy sector.
• Saudi Ministry of Sports (وزارة الرياضة)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Joint launch of the 'Sports Terminology Dictionary' providing standardized Arabic sports terminology.
• Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (وزارة الموارد البشرية والتنمية الاجتماعية)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration to launch the 'Human Resources and Social Development Terminology Dictionary'.
• National Center for Non-Profit Sector (المركز الوطني لتنمية القطاع غير الربحي)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Joint launch of the 'Non-Profit Sector Terminology Dictionary' to standardize Arabic terminology in the non-profit sector.
• Saudi Falcons Club (نادي الصقور السعودي)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration to launch the 'Falconry Terminology Dictionary' contributing to Arabic terminology in traditional Saudi sports.
• Saudi Authority for Crafts (هيئة الحِرَف اليدوية - بنان)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Participation in the Banhan Crafts Exhibition 2025 to promote Arabic language alongside traditional Saudi crafts culture.
• Saudi Arabian Railways (الخطوط الحديدية السعودية - سار)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration to launch the 'Railways Terminology Dictionary' in partnership with the Saudi Railways Authority.
• National Automotive Academy (الأكاديمية الوطنية للسيارات والمركبات - ناڤا) and Ministry of Industry and Mineral ResourcesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Joint launch of the 'Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Maintenance Dictionary' in cooperation with NAV A and the Ministry of Industry.
• Equestrian Federation (هيئة الفروسية)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaboration to launch the 'Equestrian Terminology Dictionary' for standardized Arabic equestrian terminology.
• Qassim University (جامعة القصيم)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Joint organization of the conference 'Arabic Language and Saudi National Identity' with Qassim University.
• UNESCO (منظمة اليونسكو)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The Academy launched the Linguistic Pluralism Framework at UNESCO headquarters during the Arabic Language Day celebration with significant international attendance. Also organized a seminar on Linguistic Pluralism in International Organizations in cooperation with UNESCO.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• UNESCO: UN agency for education, science, and culture; a flagship KSGAAL partner that hosts the Academy's Arabic Language Day events and Linguistic Pluralism Framework. Comparable as an international educational/cultural standards body and ecosystem enabler.
• Muslim World League: International Islamic NGO with a global diplomatic network. A flagship KSGAAL partner that extends the Academy's reach into Muslim-majority markets worldwide — comparable as a Saudi-aligned soft-power delivery partner for Arabic language programs.

Emerging players

• Duolingo: Leading digital language-learning platform with an Arabic course and the Duolingo English Test product. Comparable at the digital language-learning and proficiency-assessment layer, particularly relevant to the Hamza test and Ahlan wa Sahlan platform.

Broad incumbents

• Goethe-Institut: Germany's official cultural institute promoting German language abroad through teaching centers, proficiency tests, and cultural programs. Closely analogous state-backed international language promotion body.
• Confucius Institute: Chinese government-affiliated global network promoting Mandarin language and culture through university-partnered teaching centers. Same state-promoted, globally distributed language education model.
• British Council: UK government-affiliated body promoting English language, education, and culture globally. Closely analogous model — state-backed international cultural/educational institution with proficiency testing (IELTS partnership) and global centers.
• Instituto Cervantes: Spain's official institution for promoting Spanish language and culture worldwide, operating language centers and administering the DELE proficiency exam. Same model as KSGAAL: government-mandated language promotion, standardized testing, and cultural programming.
• Alliance Française: French-government-supported global network promoting French language and Francophone culture with hundreds of international centers. Strongly analogous as a state-promoted language institution with international reach and structured teaching programs.

Direct peers

• Academy of the Arabic Language in Cairo: Egypt's historic Arabic language authority (founded 1932), governing Arabic terminology, grammar, and lexicography across the Arab world. Directly comparable mandate in language standardization and authoritative lexicography.
• King Abdullah International Center for Arabic Language Studies: Saudi-based institution dedicated to teaching Arabic to non-native speakers and promoting Arabic internationally. Highly comparable mission and an existing KSGAAL partner, but focused more narrowly on instruction than on policy, lexicography, and AI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KSGAFAL
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGXRWZ9gkmmGQn5DSz8DbNA
• Facebookfacebook.com/KSGAFAL
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ksgafal

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language