DCT Abu Dhabi and Amazon to Launch Worldâs Largest Arabic Digital Library
Abu Dhabi Partners with Amazon to Launch Worldâs Largest Digital Arabic Library
Abu Dhabi, UAE â In a landmark move to preserve and promote Arabic culture, Abu Dhabi has partnered with Amazon to create the worldâs largest digital Arabic library. Announced at the Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries, the initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism â Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) through its Arabic Language Centre (ALC).
The ambitious project aims to make Arabic literature accessible to over 400 million Arabic speakers worldwide, while also reaching global readers interested in exploring the richness of the language and its heritage.
Thousands of Books Going Digital
Over the next three years, thousands of Arabic-language titles will be digitised, including classical works and contemporary publications, and made available in eBook and audiobook formats. By preserving cultural heritage and expanding the reach of modern authors, the initiative ensures that Arabic literature maintains its relevance in an increasingly digital-first world.
A Dedicated Arabic Storefront on Amazon
Amazon will launch a dedicated storefront for Arabic content, powered by Amazon Ads, AWS cloud services, and ALCâs publishing expertise. This platform will serve as a global hub for Arabic literature, providing easy access to readers everywhere and ensuring visibility for authors and cultural works from across the Arab world.
Preserving Heritage and Inspiring Youth
The initiative aligns with ALCâs mission to promote Arabic readership globally and inspire younger generations. By offering digital formats compatible with modern devices like Kindle and Audible, the project bridges generational gaps and encourages youth engagement with Arabic literature and culture.
Empowering Authors and Publishers
Regional authors and publishers will gain unprecedented access to Amazonâs distribution networks and marketing tools. ALC will assist in digitising print titles and providing technical support, helping publishers adapt to the digital era and fostering a sustainable, globally competitive Arabic publishing ecosystem.
Voices from the Partnership
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, described the collaboration as a milestone for Arabic culture:
âLeveraging Amazonâs reach and expertise, we are creating a gateway for readers everywhere to experience the richness of Arabic writing, embedding our culture into the global dialogue for generations to come.â
Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President at Amazon Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, added:
âBy working with DCT Abu Dhabi, we aim to celebrate and expand access to this legacy. This initiative combines our technology and global reach to bring Arabic literature to the world.â
A Milestone for Global Literature
The digital library is expected to significantly increase readership, strengthen Arabicâs global presence, and inspire future generations of writers and thinkers. It also opens opportunities for cultural exchange, allowing non-Arabic speakers to explore translations and engage with one of the worldâs oldest literary traditions.
Conclusion
The creation of the worldâs largest Arabic digital library is more than a technological achievementâit is a cultural revolution. By bridging tradition with innovation, Abu Dhabi and Amazon are ensuring that Arabic literature not only survives in the digital era but thrives, highlighting the power of global partnerships in preserving heritage, expanding access, and empowering communities.
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