Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) and Amazon Alexa have entered into a content licensing agreement to offer ALC's Arabic-language content through Alexa's voice assistant services in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This partnership aims to broaden the accessibility of Arabic content for users in these regions.
According to Emirates News Agency, this strategic collaboration stems from the Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries (Congress ACI), a flagship platform of ALC that focuses on promoting Arabic creativity and advancing cultural sectors within the Arab world. Amazon Alexa's involvement in the 2024 edition of Congress ACI was pivotal in establishing this partnership, underscoring the event's significance in fostering initiatives that enhance the global presence of the Arabic language.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, emphasized the importance of this agreement with Amazon Alexa. He noted that it marks a crucial step in leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to strengthen the global standing of Arabic as a language of culture, science, and innovation. Dr. Tamim highlighted Arabic's adaptability and dynamism, which allows it to contribute meaningfully to both functional and creative fields.
The partnership enables access to Arabic content through ALC's digital initiatives, such as the Poetry Encyclopaedia and the Digital Lexicon, potentially enriching Arabic digital content and expanding its reach to millions worldwide. This initiative aims to make the Arabic language more accessible and enjoyable to a broader audience.
Dr. Raf Fatani, Regional General Manager of Alexa, Amazon MENA, expressed Amazon's dedication to using voice technology to preserve and promote cultural heritage. He stated that the collaboration with ALC is a testament to Amazon's ongoing commitment to Arabic language development and localization. By integrating ALC's curated Arabic content into Alexa, Amazon seeks to enhance the user experience for Arabic speakers and contribute to the global appreciation of Arabic's rich linguistic tradition.
The agreement specifies that Amazon Alexa will support the global dissemination of ALC's Arabic content, benefiting native speakers and learners of the language worldwide. The content will be sourced from ALC's Digital Lexicon, launched in 2021, and the Poetry Encyclopedia, an archive of classical and modern Arabic poetry. These initiatives aim to promote Arabic on a larger scale and align with ALC's strategic objectives of preserving and promoting the language.