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Mohammed AlSharekh (1942 – 6 March 2024) was a Kuwaiti luminary whose multifaceted career spanned business, technology, and literature, leaving an indelible mark on the Arabic-speaking world. As the founder and Chairman Emeritus of Sakhr Software Company, AlSharekh was instrumental in pioneering the integration of the Arabic language into the digital realm, making significant strides in Arabic Natural Language Processing (NLP) and introducing the first Arabic language Operating System.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Born in Kuwait in 1942, Mohammed AlSharekh’s academic journey led him to Cairo University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science in 1965. He furthered his studies in the United States at Williams College, Massachusetts, obtaining a master’s degree in Development Economics in 1968. These formative years laid the groundwork for AlSharekh’s later endeavors in economic development and technology innovation.
A Distinguished Career
Before embarking on his technological ventures, AlSharekh served in several key positions that bridged economic development and international banking. From 1969 to 1973, he was the Deputy Director-General for the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, followed by roles representing Kuwait and the Arab Group at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Washington D.C., and co-founding the Industrial Bank of Kuwait.
In 1980, AlSharekh established the AlAlamiah Group and launched Sakhr Software Company two years later, marking the beginning of his foray into Arabic computing. His work through Sakhr led to groundbreaking advancements in Arabic OCR, machine translation, and automatic speech recognition, significantly enhancing the accessibility and utility of computers for Arabic speakers.
Contributions to Arabic Computing
Under AlSharekh’s leadership, Sakhr Software Company developed new generations of Arabic NLP techniques, achieved over a decade of research. The company’s innovations included automated morphology and an automatic diacritizer, securing three patents from the US Patent and Trademark Office in critical areas of Arabic language processing.
Moreover, AlSharekh’s commitment to promoting Arabic culture and knowledge extended beyond software development. He contributed to the Arabic lexicon, establishing a contemporary computerized dictionary available online, and amassed an extensive archive of Arabic magazines and articles spanning over a century.
AlSharekh’s last project was “AlSharekh’s Archive for Arabic Magazines,” in which he documented and archived over 2 million pages that included hundreds of thousands of articles and issues of significant Arabic magazines published during the twentieth century in a searchable manner. Additionally, the Sakhr dictionary and the Arabic automatic proofreader remain unique projects in their field to this day.
A Legacy of Awards and Achievements
AlSharekh’s contributions did not go unrecognized. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the King Faisal International Prize in 2021 and accolades for his efforts in localization, e-inclusion, and cultural preservation. His works in literature, which include novels and short stories, further exemplify his diverse talents and commitment to Arab culture.
Personal Life and Legacy
Aside from his professional achievements, AlSharekh was known for his private collection of Arabian and Egyptian art, suggesting his deep appreciation for Arab heritage and culture. His passing on 6 March 2024, at the age of 81, marks the end of an era but his legacy endures through his pioneering contributions to technology, culture, and the arts.
Mohammed AlSharekh’s vision and dedication to integrating the Arabic language into the digital age have left a lasting impact, ensuring that the Arabic-speaking world remains an integral part of the global digital landscape. Through Sakhr Software Company and his cultural contributions, AlSharekh has paved the way for future generations to continue exploring and expanding the bounds of technology and culture.
