Amazon teams up with Abu Dhabi to expand Arabic access through new digital library

A new digital library dedicated to Arabic content is in the works as the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre teams up with Amazon.

The initiative was officially announced during the opening of the International Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries at Etihad Arena, signaling a strategic move to expand the Arabic language’s presence in the digital world.

Combining Abu Dhabi’s cultural expertise with Amazon’s global distribution power, the project aims to give millions of Arabic readers and learners access to a rich, curated collection of online literature and learning material.

Although no launch date has been confirmed, anticipation around the project is already high.

This isn’t the UAE’s first foray into digital Arabic libraries. Dubai launched its own version in 2018, now home to more than 245,000 titles, ranging from academic texts to audiobooks.

However, the Abu Dhabi initiative positions itself as a broader cultural effort, intended to reinforce the UAE’s standing as a regional leader in Arabic language preservation and innovation.

The announcement came alongside findings from a major regional survey conducted by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

Gathering input from around 4,000 young people across 10 Arab countries, the study revealed both pride and concern: 84% said Arabic is central to their identity, while nearly two-thirds expressed worry about its declining role in science, technology, and digital fields.

Respondents called for more effective teaching approaches, demanding curriculum reform and stronger institutional support to ensure Arabic is taught as a living, usable language rather than through rote memorization.

Beyond language, the congress also focused on the creative sector, which now employs over 400,000 people in the UAE and contributes about 4% to the country's GDP.

Despite growing interest, many young Arabs cited family expectations, limited job prospects, and financial uncertainty as reasons for hesitating to pursue careers in creative industries.

In Dubai, the push to promote Arabic is also taking shape in early education.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has made Arabic language instruction compulsory for children aged four to six, beginning this September.

The policy will later extend to younger age groups, with a two-year review period planned to assess its impact.

Together, these developments reflect a larger effort to reposition Arabic in a digital, fast-changing world.

While the language remains a source of cultural identity, it is facing mounting challenges in modern academic and professional spaces.

The Abu Dhabi-Amazon partnership is seen not only as a platform for books but also as a step toward making Arabic more accessible, adaptable, and relevant for future generations.