Latest news with #AbuDhabiArabicLanguageCentre
Zawya
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Organised by Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries to take place in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries will take place on 14 and 15 September 2025 under the theme Arabic Creativity Reimagined: Innovation in Storytelling and Audience Engagement. The congress returns in a dynamic new standalone format, cementing its position as the first international platform fully dedicated to the richness and potential of Arabic creative expression. It aims to generate forward-looking perspectives that strengthen Arab participation in the creative industries while supporting sustainable development across both cultural and economic spheres. The congress will feature a wide range of professional activities, including training sessions and workshops on artificial intelligence, digital publishing, scriptwriting, audiobook production, and game design. It will also cover sustainable business model development in the digital age. His Excellency Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: "Arabic is not only a language of poetry and philosophy, it's a language of innovation, invention, and imagination. The Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries aims to elevate, safeguard and advance Arabic creativity and to explore opportunities for investment using modern technologies and artificial intelligence. Our goal is to build a new narrative that drives development and fosters cross-cultural dialogue that transcends borders.' The two-day programme will bring together leading Arab and international creatives, cultural and media policymakers innovation leaders, C-suite executives in Technology, and content creators from Abu Dhabi and beyond. Attendees will take part in a diverse agenda of specialised panel discussions, workshops and knowledge exchange opportunities that foster global partnerships and collaborative efforts to advance Arabic creative industries. Interactive sessions will unite writers, directors, tech experts, and media professionals, while book signings and cultural activities will engage the public directly with content creators and explore the expansive horizons of Arabic creative industries. The Congress will also feature Tracks for Professional Capacity Building, offered in collaboration with leading global and regional entities such as Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), TikTok, Adobe, and Sard Writers' Room, and covering an extensive range of topics, including Digital Design, Screenwriting, Generative AI Tools for Arabic Content Creation, Ed-tech, Audiobook Market Dynamics, Digital Content Business Models, and Game Development. The congress stands as a strategic platform to launch new initiatives, discover emerging markets, and support regional talent by connecting creatives with leading institutions, contributing to a significant repositioning of Arab creative industries on the global stage. The 2025 edition features the Congress X Youth Programme, an interactive platform dedicated to university students. Aiming to inspire the next generation of cultural and creative leaders, this vibrant, youth-focused platform will feature capacity-building initiatives, the Congress X Youth Innovation Awards, and a dynamic showcase of emerging young talent. It represents a strategic investment in creative futures, offering young participants a rare opportunity to connect with professionals, gain exposure, and be recognised on a global stage. The congress's new standalone format reflects the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's strategic focus on strengthening the role of the Arabic language in enriching creative industries and contributing meaningfully to global cultural dialogue. It also reaffirms Abu Dhabi's status as a global hub for cultural innovation and creativity. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre invites all interested participants to register for the Congress at an essential gathering that underscores the Centre's commitment to advancing the Arabic language as a driving force in the creative industries. About the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, was established by a law issued by the President of the United Arab Emirates, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to promote the Arabic language, set general strategies for its scientific, educational, cultural and creative development, and enhance cultural communication and Arabic language proficiency at the local and international levels. It also aims to support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, and audiovisual content creation. It plays a key role in organising book fairs and supporting the publishing industry in the region. To achieve this, the Centre relies on dedicated programmes, the expertise of its teams, and partnerships with prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions around the world. About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture, tourism and creative sectors, fuelling economic progress and helping achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to unify the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential. It helps coordinate efforts and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries in the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage, and landscape. The Department works to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a hub of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its rich traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Organised by Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries to take place in Abu Dhabi
23 July 2025 16:05 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries will take place on September 14-15, 2025 under the theme Arabic Creativity Reimagined: Innovation in Storytelling and Audience congress returns in a dynamic new standalone format, cementing its position as the first international platform fully dedicated to the richness and potential of Arabic creative expression. It aims to generate forward-looking perspectives that strengthen Arab participation in the creative industries, while supporting sustainable development across both cultural and economic congress will feature a wide range of professional activities, including training sessions and workshops on artificial intelligence, digital publishing, scriptwriting, audiobook production, and game design. It will also cover sustainable business model development in the digital Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: "Arabic is not only a language of poetry and philosophy, it's a language of innovation, invention, and imagination. The Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries aims to elevate, safeguard and advance Arabic creativity and to explore opportunities for investment using modern technologies and artificial intelligence. Our goal is to build a new narrative that drives development and fosters cross-cultural dialogue that transcends borders.'The two-day programme will bring together leading Arab and international creatives, cultural and media policymakers, innovation leaders, technology executives, and content creators from Abu Dhabi and beyond. Attendees will take part in a diverse agenda of specialised panel discussions, workshops and knowledge exchange opportunities that foster global partnerships and collaborative efforts to advance Arabic creative sessions will unite writers, directors, tech experts, and media professionals, while book signings and cultural activities will engage the public directly with content creators and explore the expansive horizons of Arabic creative Congress will also feature tracks for Professional Capacity Building, offered in collaboration with leading global and regional entities such as Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), TikTok, Adobe, and Sard Writers' Room, and covering an extensive range of topics, including digital design, screenwriting, generative AI tools for Arabic content creation, ed-tech, audiobook market dynamics, digital content business models, and game congress stands as a strategic platform to launch new initiatives, discover emerging markets, and support regional talent by connecting creatives with leading institutions, contributing to a significant repositioning of Arab creative industries on the global 2025 edition features the Congress X Youth Programme, an interactive platform dedicated to university students. Aiming to inspire the next generation of cultural and creative leaders, this vibrant, youth-focused platform will feature capacity-building initiatives, the Congress X Youth Innovation Awards, and a dynamic showcase of emerging young talent. It represents a strategic investment in creative futures, offering young participants a rare opportunity to connect with professionals, gain exposure, and be recognised on a global congress's new standalone format reflects the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's strategic focus on strengthening the role of the Arabic language in creative industries and global cultural dialogue. It also reaffirms Abu Dhabi's status as a global hub for cultural innovation and creativity. Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre invites all interested participants to register for the Congress at Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Arabian Business
16-07-2025
- Arabian Business
Preserving the past, powering the future
Very little exists today that is untouched by AI. It impacts countless aspects of our daily lives and brings rapid urbanisation, with major cities conforming to modern standards. But often, it seems, these developments happen at the expense of preserving cultural heritage and nurturing the creative economy. AI's algorithms can sometimes favour mainstream content, potentially overshadowing more niche cultural expressions. Personalised recommendations, while enhancing user experience, could similarly create filtered perspectives. And the automation of certain creative tasks raises questions about how we support the ongoing cultivation of human artistic skills. Tension between the new and the old is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also about ensuring that people can connect with the stories, values, and heritage that have shaped their communities while having the opportunities and standard of living offered by a contemporary society. What if the same technology driving change could be leveraged to protect and preserve cultural heritage? It's a question that placemakers should be asking themselves, starting with the basics: using AI to protect built heritage. This means generating models or 'digital twins' that are able to identify changes and proactively propose recommendations for conservation of historic sites. For example, AI algorithms can analyse high-resolution images of historical buildings, detecting cracks or weathering patterns that might be missed by the human eye. But this is just one aspect of a bigger vision. Preserving cultural heritage By taking cultural heritage preservation a step further, it can become a living, breathing part of modern society, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of its culture. In Abu Dhabi, through collaboration with research institutions, we are exploring the potential of AI in archaeology. Instead of relying solely on traditional excavation methods, AI can scan geological data and historical records to predict the most promising locations for archaeological finds. We can then use these findings to cultivate an interactive, transformative experience for generations to come through advanced imaging, 3D scanning, and natural language processing. While traditional methods are often insufficient to protect fragile artefacts, we have been able to unlock capabilities, using AI-powered scanning and analysis to meticulously digitise Emirati manuscripts, artefacts, and artworks, ensuring their longevity. In the same way, AI is being deployed to document, transcribe, and revitalise the unique Emirati Arabic dialect and oral storytelling traditions, which are at risk of being lost over time. Also working to protect our language, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is building an AI-powered platform to get more young people to read. Features such as speaking to your book, asking questions, creating content, and listening to the book will make literacy more engaging. With personalised content recommendations, gamification elements and social sharing, the platform aims to cultivate lifelong reading habits and foster a new generation of avid Emirati readers. Sharing cultural heritage Creating engaging and immersive experiences is crucial for sharing a destination's cultural heritage with the world. This is why DCT Abu Dhabi is pioneering an AI-powered concierge to create memorable experiences. It is being used by 100 concierges across 80+ hotels and alternate accommodations. We are scaling it up and eventually this capability will evolve towards a visitor AI chatbot providing relevant information, such as attractions, cultural sites, events, hotels, beaches and restaurants, to improve our guests' experience. It is important to ensure that these experiences are representative and respectful of cultural traditions. This is where harnessing AI-driven insights like sentiment analysis and feedback comes into play, analysing visitor feedback to identify areas where museum exhibits can be improved or made more engaging. As Abu Dhabi gears up for more large-scale events and festivals in the coming months and years, the use of AI for hotel performance optimisation, strategic decision-making, and event planning has become increasingly important, taking into account historical booking data, local events calendars, and even social media trends to predict occupancy rates with greater accuracy – all powered by our intelligence centre, a one-stop shop for dashboards and reports. Shaping cultural placemaking Ultimately, the true value of AI lies not in its novelty or efficiency, but in its capacity to deepen our connection to our heritage and to each other. We must harness these tools to enhance our understanding of how the past informs our contemporary culture, and to advance the ways in which culture is created, shared, and experienced. AI should empower artists and creators, enrich our lives, and ultimately enhance our shared human experience. Abu Dhabi blends ancient traditions with state-of-the-art creative expression, which not only preserves but progresses our emirate's culture. We are transforming heritage into global discourse, fostering creative sectors, and reshaping cultural hospitality. By thoughtfully applying AI, placemakers can reimagine what it means to thrive in a world where tradition and innovation converge, creating a future where culture is not just conserved, but actively shapes a more meaningful existence for all.
Al Etihad
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre reveals winners of 2025 Research Grants Programme
30 June 2025 17:05 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has announced the winners of the fifth edition of its Research Grants Programme, which supports high-quality research projects that promote the Arabic language and encourages researchers to develop innovative proposals across various creative year's list of winning projects features seven works, submitted by experts from five Arab countries and covering the fields of Arabic Lexicon, Literature and Criticism, and Editing of Manuscripts. Overall, the 2025 edition received a total of 516 submissions from 36 countries, with Egypt recording the highest number. These figures reflect a significant increase in applications and a wider geographic reach for the programme compared to previous editions. #AbuDhabi Arabic Language Centre reveals winners of 2025 Research Grants ProgrammeOverall, the 2025 edition received a total of 516 submissions from 36 countries. Read more: #AletihadNewsCenter #UAE @AbuDhabiALC — Aletihad English (@AletihadEn) June 30, 2025 In the Arabic Lexicon category, three projects were awarded: Arabic-English Dictionary of Collocations by researcher Ramadan Mohamed Ahmed Bakhit from Egypt; Dictionary of Arabic Treasures in the French Language: From the Middle Ages to the Present Day by novelist Dr. Shaker Noori from Iraq; and Dictionary of Postmodern Narrative by literary critic Dr. Ahmed Khreis from awarded projects in the Literature and Criticism category were The Arabs' Discovery of Japan: From the Russo-Japanese War to World War II by Dr. Reem Ahmed from Egypt, Professor of Political Science at Takushoku University in Japan, and The Dream, The Prison, and the Dark Room by Dr. Lina Al-Jamal from Lebanon, Lecturer at the University of the Editing of Manuscripts category, two projects were awarded: The Celestial Star in the French Conquest, edited by author and researcher Sheherazade Al-Arabi from Algeria, and A New Edition of One Hundred and One Nights: Study and Editing by Dr. Haitham Mahmoud Sharkawi, Associate Professor at South Valley University in Qena, Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: 'Through its Research Grants Programme, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre strives to support the efforts of authors and researchers specialising in the Arabic language and science, encouraging them to make further contributions in Arabic across all fields of knowledge that the programme supports. This, in turn, drives efforts to advance Arabic-language scientific content and reinforce Arabic as a language of culture, knowledge, and creativity.''The increase in submissions and countries participating this year reflects the programme's significant growth. Similarly, the growing interest from authors and researchers highlights the programme's value. The winners in this edition have produced important works that reveal the richness of the Arab research community and the wealth of insight, culture, and engagement it has to offer, further underscoring the importance of initiatives like the Research Grants Programme in promoting Arabic-language research.'The programme witnessed intense competition this year, with a notable increase in the quality and quantity of submissions, reflecting its growing impact in Arab and international academic and cultural circles, as well as its active role in advancing the Arabic language. This year's figures significantly surpass last year's, which saw 270 applications from 31 countries. This growth highlights the ALC's strategic vision and ongoing efforts to strengthen the Arabic language and foster innovation, authorship, and scientific research in the region and around the world.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair welcomed 400,000 visitors in first 10-day edition
450 speakers and participants including some of the world's top creative thinkers. The fair included the launch of 35 new publications by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, and 220 book signings by Arab and international authors. 5,790 media items were published in 51 countries including the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and China. 117 million views were recorded across five digital platforms. Abu Dhabi, UAE – Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) concluded its 34th edition successfully. Running for 10 consecutive days for the first time in its history from 26 April to 5 May 2025, the fair welcomed around 400,000 visitors who explored more than half a million titles across all areas of knowledge. Moreover, the fair established a new tradition by announcing Indonesia as the Guest of Honour for the 2026 edition, demonstrating its commitment to best practices adopted by major international cultural events. Held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi under the theme 'Knowledge Illuminates Our Community', the event reflected the ambitious vision to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for culture, publishing, and knowledge. The fair also reinforced its own standing as one of the most prominent local and regional cultural events, recording a 65% increase in sales compared to the previous year indicating its success in promoting reading and supporting the publishing industry. With 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries speaking more than 60 languages, the fair attracted a wide audience of all ages and community groups. This aligns with the UAE leadership's declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Community', asserting Abu Dhabi's status as a thriving centre for civilisational, cultural, and intellectual exchange. His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: 'The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a significant platform for knowledge sharing and creativity. This year's edition charted a roadmap for the future with a scientific approach, and presented a comprehensive cultural vision. The 34th edition offered a programme focused on dialogue and critical thinking, addressing contemporary global issues such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, environmental protection, and heritage preservation.' The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair stood out for its organisation, international participation, public engagement, and the calibre of its speakers, including renowned intellectuals, academics, writers, and artists. The Fair attracted more than 450 speakers and participants, including notable figures such as Iraqi-born former British politician H.E. Nadhim Zahawi; integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Deepak Chopra; novelist Conn Iggulden; actors Hussein Fahmy and Mena Massoud; jewellery designer Azza Fahmy; and author Khaled Ghattas, drawing large and passionate audiences. The fair's comprehensive programme and high-quality initiatives also achieved great success. For example, the On the Path of Knowledge initiative brought speakers to schools and universities, increasing student engagement and participation in the fair while raising a new generation of avid readers and knowledge enthusiasts. Student participation notably increased from the 2024 edition, with a total of 3,562 students participating and 14,674 students benefiting from associated activities across 25 public and private schools. These activities were overseen by 203 educators and supervisors, which resulted in over 18,000 total participants. The first-of-its-kind Author-Publisher initiative formed part of the fair's vision to support the social role of culture by targeting creative authors. Meanwhile, the 100 Stories from Our Community initiative showcases creative talent among UAE residents as part of the broader Community Campaign to Promote Sustainable Reading, launched by the ALC earlier this year. Another highlight of the fair was the Al-Mutanabbi Street, one of Baghdad's most famous cultural thoroughfares and a symbol of Iraq's literary and intellectual life. It featured 2,000 books and a collection of vintage newspapers. The fair also hosted the inaugural edition of the Arab Publishing Pioneers initiative, which honoured six Arab publishing houses with illustrious legacies, the oldest being nearly 160 years old. While the Guest of Honour programme spotlighting Caribbean culture was met with significant interest from the multinational audience, the Focus Personality (Ibn Sina) and Book of the World ('One Thousand and One Nights') programmes delivered immersive experiences and fresh insights into the legacy of the famed philosopher and the iconic work. The agenda also included the Poetry Nights Majlis, which hosted over 60 stars of Nabati and classical poetry, reflecting the prestige of Arabic poetry and the success of the programme. Meanwhile, the Creative Arts programme featured music and photography, among other things, as well as culinary arts as part of the World's Cuisine programme, which featured 48 sessions with 24 celebrity chefs, including 12 Emiratis. The fair's Professional programme introduced a new strategy, unprecedented in the region, to empower publishers and creatives to navigate the challenges of the evolving global publishing landscape and embrace the technological and digital breakthroughs that are reshaping the entire industry. The programme's workshops attracted significant attendance from all age groups. Also on the agenda was the Digitising Creativity conference, which explored the impact of digitisation on publishing and the creative industries. This event was held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy's Intellectual Property Sector, the International Publishers Association (IPA), the Arab Publishers Association, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the China Media Group, the Emirates Publishers Association, and Egypt's Bibliotheca Alexandrina, alongside notable figures from leading academic and cultural institutions. Additionally, the third edition of the Podcast from Abu Dhabi programme hosted 71 content creators with a global following of millions of people, presenting many original episodes. The programme also offered a platform to new voices by hosting 24 content creators participating for the first time. The Digital Square also played a key part in the fair's success, showcasing five cutting-edge digital cultural projects in collaboration with influential stakeholders. Government entities also played a pivotal role in the fair's success, with 87 departments organising widely attended activities and hosting over 200 speakers. Key contributors included the Ministry of Culture, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, and the UAE Media Council. This high-level participation demonstrates confidence in the fair as a prominent platform for organising activities, promoting culture, exchanging knowledge, and bringing together intellectuals and experts from various fields. The ALC seized the fair's dynamic momentum to launch 35 new titles, including 'Wonders' Eyes in Abu Al-Tayyib's Mention of Inventions and Marvels' by ALC Chairman H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim; 'An Eye that Captures the Moment' a critical reading of photographer Kareem Sahib's work; 'A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle' by British historian Julian Jackson; and 'Between Shadow and Light' by Emirati photographer Jassim Rabee. Another new addition this year was the Under the Ghaf's Shade experience, which featured special encounters and book signings with over 40 authors. On the other hand, the dedicated Book Signing Corner hosted nearly 180 signing sessions, offering authors valuable opportunities to engage with the public. The ADIBF 2025 generated wide coverage from local, regional, and international media outlets, exceeding 2024 figures. A total of 5,790 articles were published across 51 countries, including the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and China. Meanwhile, content published through the fair's digital channels amounted to 1,475 posts across five platforms, marking a 52% increase over last year. This was largely driven by a 78% increase in follower numbers during the event, bringing total views to 117 million, a 47% increase over the 80 million recorded last year. Total engagement grew by 37% from 3.9 million to 5.4 million, while total impressions increased by 48%, rising from 214 million to 315 million.
