Abu Dhabi Welcomes the 31st International Conference on Computational Linguistics (COLING 2025)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – January 19, 2025 – The cosmopolitan hub of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi, stood poised on January 19th to host the prestigious 31st International Conference on Computational Linguistics (COLING 2025), a landmark event attracting over 1,500 experts in the fields of artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. This marks a historic first for the conference, as it is being held in the Middle East, administered by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
The significance of COLING 2025 extends well beyond its mere presence in the region; it represents a pivotal moment in the global discourse on language technology. The conference is organized by the International Committee on Computational Linguistics (ICCL) and takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from January 19 to 24, 2025. Coinciding with this grand occasion, the inaugural Winter School on Arabic Natural Language Processing (NLP) will feature workshops and tutorials led by specialists, furthering knowledge in this critical area.
Supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, part of the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi, COLING 2025 is set to unveil a comprehensive agenda that includes 22 workshops, nine tutorials, and a series of keynote speeches delivered by leading figures in the domain of computational linguistics. In particular, the Winter School has been formulated to enhance skills and promote research collaboration specifically related to Arabic NLP, an area poised for substantial growth given the linguistically diverse and technology-savvy demographics of the region.
Professor Preslav Nakov, Chair of the local organizing committee and a leading figure in NLP at MBZUAI, articulated the conference’s vision, stating, “COLING 2025 brings together the brightest minds in AI and computational linguistics, creating an unparalleled opportunity for dialogue and innovation. As language technology continues to redefine how humans interact with machines, we anticipate engaging discussions on leveraging these advancements to address both regional and global challenges.”
Founded in 1965, COLING has grown to become one of the most esteemed platforms for professionals engaged in NLP, attracting contributions from research institutions, academia, and cutting-edge tech startups worldwide. This year alone, 853 research papers were accepted for presentation, testament to the flourishing interest and expertise in the discipline. Notably, 22 of these submissions were authored or co-authored by students and faculty from MBZUAI, underscoring the university’s commitment to innovation and research excellence.
Abu Dhabi is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for high-caliber scientific conferences, having previously hosted the 2022 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (EMNLP) and the 2024 editions of the IEEE International Conference on Data Mining (ICDM) and IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS). The emirate’s ability to host such high-profile events illustrates its commitment to becoming a focal point of technological advancement and intellectual discourse on a global scale.
Reflecting on the region’s values, Professor Nakov added, “Abu Dhabi offers a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the values of connectivity, learning, and exploration—values that resonate deeply with our scientific community. We are proud to showcase our region’s dedication to technology and language innovation.”
On a broader scale, the UAE has established itself as a formidable player in the global AI landscape, ranking fifth in the 2024 Global AI Power Rankings. MBZUAI, ranked among the world’s top ten universities for AI specializations, stands as a flagbearer for innovative education in computer vision, machine learning, NLP, robotics, and computational biology.
As Abu Dhabi hosts this conference, the significance of such gatherings in enhancing both local and international collaboration cannot be overstated. They serve as platforms not just for the dissemination of knowledge but also for cultivating relationships that often lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
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