UAE Launches AI Arabic-English Dictionary and 10-Million-Word BAREC Corpus
The United Arab Emirates is taking big steps to protect and promote the Arabic language around the world. Through the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism, the country has started new projects that use artificial intelligence to make Arabic easier to learn and more accessible online.
One of the main projects is a new Arabic-English digital dictionary. This is the first dictionary of its kind to combine artificial intelligence with advanced language tools. It is designed to help both native Arabic speakers and learners understand and use the language better.
The First AI Arabic-English Digital Dictionary
This AI-powered dictionary includes more than 7,000 modern Arabic words. The terms are carefully chosen to match the way people use the language today. Each word comes with an easy definition, example sentences, correct pronunciation, and even images to make learning simpler.
The dictionary also gives clear grammar details and explains the meaning of each word in a way that is easy to understand. By using AI, it can also help create better Arabic content online that is easier to find on search engines like Google. This makes it a powerful tool for students, teachers, and content creators.
Making Arabic More Accessible Online
The dictionary is not just for learning. It also helps people write and publish Arabic in a way that works better online. Search engines can read and understand the terms, which means Arabic content can appear more often in search results. This is important because it allows more people around the world to find and enjoy Arabic writing, books, and articles.
BAREC: The Balanced Arabic Readability Corpus
Another major project is called the Balanced Arabic Readability Corpus, or BAREC. It is a huge collection of Arabic texts about ten million words in total. These words come from many types of writing, such as literature, news articles, and everyday conversations.
BAREC is being created with help from New York University Abu Dhabi and Zayed University. Its purpose is to help researchers and developers build tools that can read and understand Arabic more accurately. With this, AI systems like translation tools, search engines, and learning apps will work better for Arabic.
Why BAREC is Important
By collecting words from many topics and styles, BAREC gives a complete picture of how Arabic is used today. This makes it easier for educators to create lessons, for software developers to make Arabic-friendly apps, and for linguists to study the language. It also ensures that modern Arabic stays strong in the digital age.
Digital Square: AI in Publishing
These projects were presented at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in a special area called Digital Square. This was a place where visitors could see how AI can be used in publishing and education. There were demonstrations of interactive books, AI-assisted editing, and tools that make it easier for readers to find Arabic books online.
Digital Square brought together publishers, educators, and technology experts. It showed how new technology and traditional culture can work together to make Arabic more visible and exciting for modern audiences.
AI in Arabic Education
The UAE is also encouraging schools and universities to use AI for teaching Arabic. Some are using AI tutors that can adapt lessons to each student. Others have created smart textbooks that give instant feedback. Many are using apps that make learning more like a game, helping students stay interested and motivated.
Keeping Heritage Alive with Modern Tools
The UAE knows that for Arabic to stay strong, it must be part of the digital world. The new dictionary and BAREC project are examples of how the country is combining heritage with technology. These tools help learners, developers, and researchers, and they make sure Arabic can compete in a world where English and other languages often dominate online.
A Cultural and Global Benefit
By creating these AI tools, the UAE is also supporting cultural exchange. Making Arabic easier to learn and use helps people around the world understand the region better. It strengthens the country’s role as a centre for culture, innovation, and education in the Middle East.
UAE Leading the Future of Arabic with AI
In the future, the AI dictionary will keep adding new words and improving its explanations. BAREC will grow as more texts are collected, making it an even better resource for anyone working with Arabic. Digital Square could return every year as a place to share the latest ideas for Arabic publishing and education.
The UAE’s investment in AI for Arabic shows a clear vision. It is not just about protecting the language, but about helping it grow and adapt to the digital era. With the AI dictionary, BAREC, and Digital Square, the UAE is leading the way in making Arabic more accessible, more engaging, and more visible around the world.
