Abu Dhabi and Amazon Launch World’s Largest Digital Arabic Library
Abu Dhabi has taken a major step to protect and share Arabic literature with the world. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a strategic partnership with Amazon to launch the world’s most comprehensive digital Arabic library.
This project, announced at the Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries, will be led by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC). Over the next three years, thousands of Arabic books will be turned into eBooks and audiobooks. This will make Arabic literature easier to access, both in the Arab world and around the globe.
A New Era for Arabic Literature
For a long time, Arabic books have been hard to access outside the region. Many are only available in print, limiting their reach. Through this new project, that will change.
Thousands of titles—from novels and poetry to children’s books and cultural works—will be digitised. Readers will be able to download eBooks or listen to audiobooks on their devices. This is especially important for young people and Arabic speakers living abroad.
The project also makes Arabic content more inclusive. Audiobooks will open doors for people who prefer listening or those with visual impairments.
A Dedicated Amazon Storefront
One of the most exciting features of this partnership is Amazon’s new Arabic storefront.
Here’s what it will offer:
- A single platform to find Arabic eBooks and audiobooks
- Books from different publishers across the Arab world
- Better visibility through Amazon Ads and AWS cloud services
- Expert curation from the Arabic Language Centre
This storefront will bring together Arabic readers everywhere. From students in the UAE to diaspora communities in Europe or North America, Arabic literature will now be available at the click of a button.
Preserving Heritage While Inspiring Youth
Arabic is spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide, but digital resources in the language are still limited. This project aims to change that.
It supports ALC’s mission to:
- Promote Arabic reading globally
- Preserve and digitise Arabic heritage
- Engage young readers through platforms like Kindle and Audible
By combining tradition with technology, this project ensures that Arabic culture stays alive and relevant for future generations.
Benefits for Publishers and Authors
This initiative is not just about readers—it is also about empowering publishers and writers.
- Publishers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will receive technical support to adapt print books for digital formats.
- Amazon’s global reach will give Arabic authors a chance to connect with millions of readers worldwide.
- The project will open new revenue streams for publishers in the fast-growing digital books sector.
For smaller publishers who lack resources, this programme will be a game changer. They will gain access to training, marketing support, and distribution channels that were previously out of reach.
Key Voices from the Partnership
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi
“This collaboration is a milestone in our mission to elevate Arabic literature. By working with Amazon, we are creating a gateway for readers everywhere to explore the richness of Arabic writing. It is a pivotal step to ensure our language and culture thrive for generations to come.”
Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President, Amazon MENA & Turkey
“The Arabic language is a pillar of our identity. Through this project, we aim to celebrate and expand its reach. Amazon began as a bookstore, and today we combine technology with culture to build the most comprehensive Arabic library online.”
Regional Context: Why This Matters Now
Across the Arab world, efforts to digitise books are growing. Dubai already has a Digital Library with 245,000 titles, but Abu Dhabi’s partnership with Amazon adds global reach and powerful technology.
Youth surveys show that 84% of Arab youth are proud of their language, but many worry about its relevance in science and technology. By making Arabic literature digital and accessible, this project answers those concerns.
The Wider Impact
This digital Arabic library will create benefits beyond reading.
- For readers: Access to thousands of books anytime, anywhere.
- For students: Easier access to Arabic learning materials, research, and literature.
- For the diaspora: Stronger connections to culture and identity.
- For the economy: More opportunities for authors, publishers, and the creative industries.
It will also encourage cross-cultural exchange by showcasing Arabic works to global audiences.
Challenges Ahead
While the initiative is promising, some challenges remain:
- Rights and licensing must be handled carefully to ensure authors are fairly represented.
- Quality control is key—digitised books and audiobooks must meet high standards.
- Dialect diversity may present hurdles, as Arabic varies across regions.
- Internet access in certain areas could limit availability for some readers.
However, with support from both ALC and Amazon, these challenges can be managed.
What Comes Next
Over the next three years, watch for:
- The launch of Amazon’s Arabic storefront
- Announcements on which publishers and authors are part of the first wave
- Marketing campaigns showcasing Arabic works to new audiences
Publishers and writers who want to join should connect with ALC to explore opportunities. The time is right for Arabic books to go digital and global.
A Turning Point for Arabic Literature
Abu Dhabi’s partnership with Amazon marks a turning point in the history of Arabic literature. For the first time, readers around the world will have simple access to a rich collection of Arabic books in digital form.
This project is not just about technology—it is about preserving culture, inspiring the youth, and empowering authors. It ensures that Arabic will remain strong and visible in the digital age.
With thousands of books to be digitised and a dedicated Arabic storefront on Amazon, the future of Arabic literature looks brighter than ever.
