The “Discussion Hour” Majlis hosts a captivating cultural lecture
by H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of Malta to the UAE
on Malta’s Arab-Islamic Heritage and Linguistic Legacy.
Abu Dhabi(News Desk):: The “Discussion Hour” Majlis held a distinguished cultural event featuring a lecture by Her Excellency Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the United Arab Emirates. The lecture, entitled “Il-Kantilena: The Arabic Roots in the Maltese Language and the Arab-Islamic Era in Malta”, offered a rich exploration of Malta’s linguistic evolution and its deep historical connections with the Arab-Islamic world.
The focal point of the lecture was Il-Kantilena, the oldest known literary text in the Maltese language, dating back to the 1400s. Written in Latin script, the poem is considered a linguistic treasure that reflects the early Maltese language, which was then referred to as “lingua
arabica” due to its predominantly Semitic phonology and structure. Ambassador Camilleri Calleja eloquently discussed how the poem serves as a linguistic bridge between Malta’s Semitic heritage and its European identity.
In addition to the linguistic analysis, the Ambassador provided historical context on the Arab-Islamic era in Malta, which spanned from approximately 870 AD to 1091 AD. This period left a lasting imprint on the island’s language, culture and identity, an influence that continues to shape the Maltese people and their position within the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Organized by Anasy Media and the Embassy of Malta in the UAE, the event brought together a diverse and distinguished audience. Among the notable attendees were the First Ambassador for Culture for ALECSO Sheikha Alyazia Bint Nahyan Al Nahyan, Lady Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Group for Spouses of Ambassadors in the UAE, as well as intellectuals, cultural enthusiasts, and regular members of the “Discussion Hour” Majlis.
The event was a celebration of intercultural dialogue and historical reflection, highlighting the importance of linguistic and cultural preservation in today’s interconnected world. Ambassador Camilleri Calleja’s lecture served as a reminder of Malta’s unique historical narrative, one that interweaves Arabic, Islamic, and European elements into a singular national identity.
Launched in 2017 by Anasy Media, “Discussion Hour “offers unique cultural gatherings that bring together academics and researchers for engaging discussions on topics tied to Eastern culture and identity.
H.E. Maria Camilleri Calleja holds a BA in Contemporary Mediterranean Studies and an MA in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Malta. She has completed diplomatic and EU training across Europe and the US.
She joined Malta’s Public Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2000. Returning to Malta in 2008, she worked on Mediterranean and African affairs, EU security policy, and diaspora issues. She later served as Director for International Development and led Malta’s 2017 EU Council Presidency preparations. In 2017, she became Director-General for Political and EU Affairs. In 2020, she was appointed Malta’s first resident Ambassador to the UAE and Permanent Representative to IRENA.
