Amazon & Abu Dhabi launch world’s digital Arabic library

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), together with Amazon, has started a landmark project to change how people around the world read Arabic books. Announced during the Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries, this new project will bring the biggest digital Arabic collection ever made to Amazon. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) will lead the effort, making thousands of Arabic-language books available in both eBook and audiobook formats over the next three years.

This step is not only about putting books online. It is about opening doors for millions of people to read Arabic stories, poems, and knowledge in modern ways. It is about keeping Arabic culture alive while sharing it with readers everywhere.

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A Digital Home for Arabic Books

As part of this collaboration, Amazon will launch a special Arabic storefront. This will be a single place where readers can find Arabic-language eBooks and audiobooks. It will work as a cultural home for Arabic literature, making it easier for people to discover, buy, and enjoy Arabic content.

Amazon will use its marketing power, advertisements, and cloud services to support this library. At the same time, the ALC will bring its expertise in publishing and its mission to protect and promote the Arabic language. Together, they are building a strong bridge between tradition and technology.

Preserving Culture and Reaching Young Readers

The ALC’s mission is to promote Arabic reading across the world. They believe Arabic heritage should not only stay alive but also remain easy to access for everyone. In today’s world, young people often prefer digital reading formats, and this project will make Arabic literature available on platforms like Kindle for eBooks and Audible for audiobooks.

Arabic is spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide, but many of them do not always get easy access to books in their own language, especially those living outside the Middle East. This project answers that need by giving both regional and diaspora communities a way to connect with Arabic literature no matter where they live.

A Three-Year Plan for Growth

Over the next three years, ALC will work closely with publishers across the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). The goal is to take existing printed Arabic books and convert them into digital versions. These will then be added to the new Amazon storefront, giving them global visibility.

Amazon, in turn, will ensure these books reach the largest possible audience by promoting them on its worldwide platforms. This will give Arabic authors and publishers the chance to connect with millions of readers across the globe.

Support for Publishers and Authors

The programme is not only for readers but also for those who create books. Many publishers may not be used to the fast-growing world of digital reading. To help them, Amazon and ALC will provide technical and operational support. This will make it easier for publishers to bring their books into digital formats.

By doing so, the project gives authors and publishers new opportunities to grow. Their works can now be shared not just locally but internationally. This way, Arabic creativity will travel beyond borders.

Leaders Speak on the Partnership

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, shared his thoughts about the importance of this collaboration. He said:

“This project is a milestone in our mission to elevate Arabic literature and champion our language. With Amazon’s global reach, readers everywhere will be able to experience the richness of Arabic writing. It is a step towards placing Arabic culture in the global cultural dialogue, ensuring it thrives for future generations.”

On the Amazon side, Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President at Amazon Middle East, Africa and Turkey, highlighted the company’s vision. He said:

“Arabic is a pillar of our identity, carrying centuries of knowledge and creativity. By working with Abu Dhabi, we are celebrating this heritage and making it available for the world. Amazon started as a bookstore, and today we are proud to enable the most comprehensive digital Arabic library. With the help of technology, we want to inspire readers and creators everywhere.”

Why This Initiative Matters

This collaboration is more than a business deal. It has a deep cultural meaning. Here are the main reasons why it matters:

1. Global Access to Arabic Books – For the first time, a large collection of Arabic eBooks and audiobooks will be available on one platform, accessible worldwide.

2. Support for Arabic Language – It strengthens the role of Arabic in the modern world, ensuring younger generations can connect with their heritage through technology.

3. Opportunities for Writers and Publishers – Authors and publishers from across the Arab world will now have a chance to reach global audiences.

4. Preservation of Culture – It ensures that Arabic stories, poems, and knowledge continue to be shared and celebrated, keeping the language alive.

5. Combining Culture and Technology – By using Amazon’s technology and ALC’s cultural knowledge, the project brings together the best of both worlds.

Looking at the Future

In the coming years, the success of this project will not only be measured in the number of books digitised but also in how it inspires readers worldwide. For many Arabic speakers living abroad, it will be a chance to stay connected with their language. For non-Arabic speakers, it may spark interest in learning more about the culture.

The project will also encourage publishers to think beyond traditional print and move toward digital opportunities. This will create a stronger publishing industry that is ready for the future.

The partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi, ALC, and Amazon is a groundbreaking step for Arabic literature. By creating the world’s most comprehensive digital Arabic library, they are not only making books easier to access but also giving Arabic language and culture a global stage.

This initiative ensures that the Arabic language, with its deep history and creativity, continues to inspire and connect people for generations to come. With Amazon’s technology and Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision, Arabic literature is set to travel further than ever before, reaching millions of hearts and minds around the world.