Abu Dhabi has announced a landmark collaboration with Amazon to launch a digital Arabic library, in a move that underscores the UAE’s growing drive to protect and promote its cultural identity in the digital age.

The unveiling took place on the opening day of the International Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries at Etihad Arena, where language, literature, and culture shared the spotlight with the region’s booming creative economy.

The partnership blends the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s curatorial strength with Amazon’s global reach, aiming to place Arabic literature in the hands of millions of readers and learners worldwide.

While Dubai pioneered its own digital library in 2018—now home to more than 245,000 titles—Abu Dhabi’s latest initiative signals a larger ambition: to cement the UAE as a hub where Arabic thrives, not merely survives, in an increasingly globalized and digital-first world.

Youth pride, digital concerns

Alongside the announcement, the centre released a sweeping survey of 4,000 young people across 10 Arab nations. The findings revealed a powerful paradox: 84% said Arabic is central to their identity, yet nearly two-thirds feared its diminishing presence in science, technology, and digital spaces.

Respondents voiced a clear call for change—less rote memorization, more engaging curricula, and institutional support that ensures Arabic is not confined to tradition but integrated into modern life.

Creative industries, cultural crossroads

The congress also spotlighted the UAE’s creative industries, now employing over 400,000 people and contributing 4% to national GDP. But even here, young Arabs expressed frustration. While many aspire to careers in writing, design, or the arts, financial risks, family pressures, and scarce opportunities often stand in the way.

Early education push in Dubai

Meanwhile in Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is taking a different step to reinforce the language from the ground up. Starting this September, Arabic will be mandatory in early childhood education for children aged four to six. A two-year pilot will assess its effectiveness before the programme expands to younger age groups.

Why it matters

From Amazon-backed libraries to early education mandates, the UAE is signaling that Arabic’s future lies in both digital spaces and daily life. These moves are not just about preserving heritage—they are about making the language future-ready, ensuring that when the next generation scrolls, codes, or creates, Arabic remains at the centre of their world.