Abu Dhabi ALC Partners with Alexa to Expand Arabic Content
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has signed a content licensing agreement with Amazon Alexa. This collaboration brings Arabic-language content to Alexa’s voice assistant services in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. By integrating ALC’s curated content, the partnership strengthens Arabic’s global digital presence while making it more accessible for native speakers and learners alike.
The agreement follows Amazon Alexa’s participation in the 2024 Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries, which reinforced the event’s role in promoting Arabic creativity worldwide. His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC, called it a milestone, highlighting how technology and AI can expand Arabic’s influence globally.
Enriching Arabic Digital Content
Dr. Tamim stated, “Arabic remains one of the most dynamic and adaptable living languages, with the ability to contribute across both functional and creative fields. This strategic partnership, which provides users access to Arabic content through two of the center’s leading digital initiatives, will have a profound impact on enriching Arabic digital content and bringing its vast treasures closer to tens of millions of users around the world.”
Dr. Raf Fatani, Regional General Manager, Alexa at Amazon MENA, emphasized that voice technology preserves cultural heritage while making interactions natural and accessible. He added, “By integrating the center’s meticulously curated Arabic content into Alexa, we are not only enhancing the experience for our Arabic-speaking customers but also contributing to the global appreciation and accessibility of Arabic’s rich linguistic tradition.”
Expanding Access to Arabic Knowledge
Under the agreement, Alexa will actively support ALC’s content across its global user base. Licensed content comes from two leading digital initiatives:
-
Digital Lexicon (Daleel Al Maany): Launched in 2021, it compiles widely used Arabic vocabulary and serves as a reference for both Arabic and non-Arabic speakers.
-
Poetry Encyclopedia: An open-source archive of classical and modern Arabic poetry, highlighting the richness of Arabic literature and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a cultural hub.
This partnership advances Arabic’s digital reach, promotes language preservation, and positions Abu Dhabi as a center of cultural innovation.
