Abu Dhabi Book Fair: How AI-driven innovations paving the way for Arabic content in the digital age

Abu Dhabi: As the world rapidly advances in the realms of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, traditional cultural events like the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair face the challenge of keeping pace.

However, the fair, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has embraced innovation, showcasing how AI can enhance the presence of Arabic content in the digital world.

In an interview with Gulf News, Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, discusses the challenges facing the Arabic language in the digital era and highlights the Centre’s strategies to overcome these barriers through cutting-edge technological solutions.

Navigating challenges

Dr Bin Tamim noted that the rapid technological advancements have posed significant challenges to the Arabic language. Chief among these challenges are the scarcity of high-quality Arabic digital content, unprofessional translations that distort the language, and a lack of investment in resources that support Arabic creators.

“Arabic is more complex to digitise than languages like English or French, given its structure and deep etymological roots,” Dr. Bin Tamim explains. “However, we see artificial intelligence not as a threat, but as a powerful opportunity to solve these issues, provided we invest in it strategically.”

When asked about AI’s role in Arabic content, the ALC spokesperson shared an optimistic view: “Artificial intelligence is not a threat to Arabic—it is an opportunity. With the right investment, AI can be transformative for Arabic content development, enabling us to reach a wider audience with higher-quality resources.”

Digital publishing at the ALC

The ALC’s strides in digital publishing have been nothing short of impressive. Over the past year, digital book sales surged by 644%, and the number of digital copies sold increased by 144%. These achievements were bolstered by the Centre’s release of over 2,000 digital knowledge resources, as well as the introduction of AI-powered audiobooks, demonstrating the Centre’s commitment to bringing Arabic literature and knowledge into the digital realm.

AI and linguistic innovation

Among the Centre’s most ambitious initiatives is the launch of the Arabic-English Digital Lexicon and collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi on the BAREC project—a massive effort to create a 10-million-word annotated Arabic corpus. Additionally, the Poetic Intelligence Lab has been developed to help teach classical Arabic meter and literary forms, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation in the language.

Interactive digital initiatives

The ALC’s presence at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair included an innovative “Digital Square,” where visitors were able to explore a variety of AI-powered digital tools. These included the “Scan & Read” QR-based reading program, “Try Your Voice” interactive audiobook activities, and “Selfie Across Time,” an augmented reality (AR) experience that allowed users to engage with the historical figure of Ibn Sina.

Promoting inclusion

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, shared that the Centre prioritizes inclusion, particularly through its digital platforms. “Our initiatives support People of Determination, children, and youth, allowing us to reach a broader audience and amplify diverse voices,” Al Tunaiji explained, highlighting the social impact of the ALC’s projects.

Global collaborations

The Centre’s international collaborations with global giants like Amazon, Google Books, and Storytel are a testament to its commitment to expanding Arabic content globally. Furthermore, the ALC’s digital library of over 800 titles, along with its free e-book coupons, ensure that access to Arabic knowledge is available to a wider audience.

Addressing concerns

While concerns around working with global tech companies exist, the ALC ensures full transparency and respect for intellectual property. “Technology should serve Arabic,” Al Tunaiji affirmed, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to safeguarding the language and culture in its partnerships.

Looking ahead, the ALC plans to further integrate AI into Arabic publishing and education, aligning with the UAE’s broader goals of digital transformation, cultural development, and knowledge exchange. The Centre remains dedicated to creating innovative solutions that empower Arabic content to thrive in the digital age.

The ALC’s vision

Ultimately, the ALC’s message is clear: Arabic has a vital role in the digital world, and with the right tools, investment, and collaboration, it can continue to grow and flourish in the future. Through AI-driven solutions, the Centre is committed to ensuring that Arabic remains a dynamic and influential language in the digital space.