The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has joined forces with Amazon to unveil what is being described as the most extensive digital Arabic collection ever created, through the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC). The groundbreaking initiative was officially announced during the Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries.
Over the next three years, this project will make thousands of Arabic-language titles available worldwide in both eBook and audiobook formats. The move represents a significant step toward increasing access to Arabic literature and cultural heritage on a global scale.
A dedicated digital hub for Arabic content
As part of this strategic collaboration, Amazon will roll out a specialised storefront exclusively for Arabic literary and cultural works. This one-stop digital destination will give millions of readers access to Arabic eBooks and audiobooks with unprecedented convenience.
The storefront will integrate Amazon Ads, AWS cloud technologies, and the publishing expertise of ALC to highlight and distribute works from across the Arab region.
Preserving tradition while inspiring younger generations
The programme strongly supports ALC’s wider mission to:
- Promote the Arabic language and readership internationally
- Safeguard and digitise Arabic cultural and literary heritage
- Attract younger audiences by engaging them through platforms like Kindle and Audible
With an estimated 400 million Arabic speakers across the globe, this initiative seeks to bridge a longstanding gap in digital publishing, serving both regional readers and diaspora communities that are often underserved in the global literary marketplace.
Empowering authors and publishers across MENA
Over the course of the three-year programme, ALC will work closely with publishers across the Middle East and North Africa to digitise thousands of print works. Leveraging Amazon’s expansive global marketing and distribution infrastructure, the initiative will amplify the reach and visibility of Arabic literature.
Furthermore, the programme will extend technical and operational assistance to help publishing houses successfully transition into the digital-first world. This ensures that both Arabic writers and publishers gain new avenues to connect with a much wider readership.
Leaders highlight the vision behind the project
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, commented on the partnership:
“This collaboration marks a landmark achievement in our commitment to elevate Arabic literature and preserve our national language. With Amazon’s global scale and expertise, this initiative opens a gateway for international audiences to experience the richness and diversity of Arabic writing. It is a transformative step in embedding Arabic culture and creativity into the global cultural narrative, ensuring its vitality for future generations.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President at Amazon for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, stated:
“The Arabic language forms the foundation of our cultural identity, carrying centuries of history, knowledge, and creativity. Through this partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, we aim to expand the reach of this heritage. Since Amazon’s beginnings as a book marketplace, we have been dedicated to connecting readers with stories. Today, by combining Amazon stores, Ads solutions, and AWS technologies, we are proud to launch the most comprehensive Digital Arabic Library ever on Amazon. This initiative blends technology with tradition to empower creators and inspire readers across the Arab world, while introducing Arabic literature to a truly global audience.”
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