Arabic Returns to Screens with e& Smart Keyboard
e& has introduced a free smart keyboard designed to return Arabic to daily digital use. The tool mirrors the layout familiar to Arabizi users, so typing in Arabic becomes intuitive without requiring new habits. As digital communication evolves rapidly, this approach supports cultural identity by meeting users where they already are.
Arabizi emerged decades ago when devices lacked Arabic script support, yet it continues to influence typing patterns across the region. The launch also aligns with World Arabic Language Day, which highlights the language’s global significance.
Cultural Initiatives Designed to Strengthen Linguistic Identity
The smart keyboard is part of a wider cultural program. A film produced with Diwan Publishing illustrates how meaning and identity weaken when Arabic letters are replaced. It later shows how familiar layouts can help users regain confidence in writing Arabic. Additionally, the initiative will expand through collaborations with libraries, schools, and cultural figures.
These partnerships aim to introduce interactive content and on-ground experiences that encourage people to reconnect with their language. As digital habits accelerate, the keyboard offers a practical way to help younger generations type naturally in Arabic while maintaining convenience.
Broader Impact on Education, Technology, and AI
The project extends into the education sector through competitions, learning materials, and partnerships with experts who highlight how technology can support Arabic usage. It also addresses a major gap in global AI training datasets, where Arabic remains underrepresented despite millions of speakers.
Increasing high-quality Arabic data will help AI systems understand both Modern Standard Arabic and regional dialects more accurately. Alongside technological efforts, e& continues to champion Arabic literature through initiatives such as the International Prize for Arabic Children’s Literature, which fosters creative talent and strengthens the region’s cultural landscape.
