Department of Arabic, Maulana Azad National Urdu University was established in the year 2006 to meet the enormous demand for teaching of Arabic language and literature on modern lines, and training of students in the field of translation from Arabic to English and vice versa. The department received overwhelming response in the very first year of its inception as the number of applicants from all over the country was more than double the allotted intake for the programme.

Globalization has opened up new vistas in employment. Arabic has assumed remarkable importance in view of the huge oil reserves that many Arabic-speaking countries possess. On the other hand India needs excellent translators and interpreters who can translate and interpret from English to Arabic and vice-versa in view of the strengthening of relations in trade and commerce between India and Arab countries.

Considering all these facts, the department has a vision to develop human resource in the field of translation and teaching by imparting good language skills and rigorous training at par with the best in the world. The department lays emphasis on human values and has made them an integral part of the curriculum. The Department offers M.A., M. Phil. and Ph.D. programmes  and three part-time programmes. The Department also offers Arabic language course for UG programs viz., B.A. and B.Sc. Most of the students of the department are successful in getting good placements in various national and multinational institutes and organizations.

                 Thrust Areas of the department are Translation, Modern Arabic Literature, Classical Arabic Literature, Arabic Studies in India and Development of Research Aptitude.