Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) will provide a selection of its publications on music streaming platform Anghami and audiobook provider Iqraaly, to enhance their accessibility for all members of the community and support the development of the publishing sector and creative industries.
The centre aims to allow users of the two platforms to access a selection of its publications, emphasising the significance of the partnerships it establishes, while underlining the notable role the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair plays as an ideal platform for communication with the publishing sector and creative industries.
His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is committed to creating innovative and engaging content that caters to the diverse intellectual and cultural preferences of all members of the community. Our objective is to promote cultural and creative industries, establish sustainable values, and explore solutions to achieve this, while ensuring the continued progress of these industries and the publishing sector.
“The new MoUs we have signed with the two platforms – Anghami and Iqraaly – widely popular among all segments of the community, and the youth, in particular, support the centre’s efforts to expand the availability of its publications, which now include thousands of books across all cultural, intellectual and literary genres. They also enable us to strengthen the presence of Arabic books on digital platforms and channels better tailored for contemporary culture.”
The Iqraaly platform offers millions of listeners access to thousands of audiobooks, making it easier for readers to enjoy diverse cultural and literary content. As part of this MoU, Iqraaly will provide its users with the opportunity to listen to a wide range of ALC publications. The centre has agreed to provide free access to Naguib Mahfouz’s audiobooks through the platform for visitors attending the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in 2024.
Tarek Aboualam, Executive Chairman of Iqraaly, said: “We are thrilled about our partnership with the ALC. We have a sincere and shared desire to support cooperation between institutions that work towards promoting digital culture and audiobooks in the Arabic language. This MoU represents a promising beginning for a strategic partnership that will help us achieve our vision at Iqraaly, leader in the field of audiobook production and distribution, and to promote and preserve the Arabic language.
“Enriching the distinguished Iqraaly audio library with the centre’s books and summaries is a major step that confirms our commitment to providing diverse content that meets the desires of all users of our application around the world and provides them with a distinguished listening experience. The MoU also reflects our commitment to the UAE and strengthens our position as a reliable partner in the Arabic audiobook industry to countries across the Arab world.”
The Iqraaly platform is participating in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair with a diverse programme, including making 50 Naguib Mahfouz audiobooks available for visitors, in celebration of the Egyptian novelist’s selection as the Focus Personality of this year’s Fair.
Iqraaly has been one of the leading Arabic language audiobook and podcast platforms in the Arab world since 2013. With thousands of audiobooks, Iqraaly provides millions of listeners with easy and convenient access to diverse cultural and literary content.
For its part, Anghami is a multimedia platform that offers a vast library of over 57 million Arabic and foreign songs, along with almost 200,000 Arabic and international podcasts. The company will soon be adding audio summaries of books as well. Under the terms of the MoU, users will now be able to legally and conveniently access publications of the ALC’s Wajeez Al Kutub project, including 50 high-quality books, which will enhance cultural communication in the region and beyond.
The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC Abu Dhabi) under the theme Where the World’s Tales Unfold, welcoming 1,350 publishers from 90 countries, including 140 publishing houses participating for the first time. More than 375 local exhibitors, including publishers, distributors and government entities, are showcasing their latest releases at the grand event, which is open to all segments of the community, offering them over 2,000 activities, including various cultural and intellectual events catering to all ages.
