Abu dhabi: The Congress of Arabic and Creative Industries returns for its fourth edition with a dynamic two-day programme uniting leading Arab and international creators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers across culture, technology, and media; alongside content creators from Abu Dhabi and beyond. Organised by Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the 2025 edition will take place from 14th to 15th September at Etihad Arena, with a mission to strengthen the role of the Arabic language in enriching creative industries and contributing meaningfully to global cultural dialogue.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Arabic Language Centre, emphasized that the 2025 edition aims to drive a transformative shift in global perceptions of Arab creativity. He noted that the Congress convenes a distinguished group of creative and professional talents, including storytellers, artists, filmmakers, and technologists, to exchange ideas within an innovation-driven environment. The event seeks to link Arab storytelling with creative industries, reinforcing its presence as a living, evolving, and future-oriented force. This aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision as a global centre for the creative economy.
This year's edition features leading female voices to explore how women are driving creativity and shaping the Arabic cultural and creative narrative. Hend Sabry, acclaimed actress and producer, Tima Shomali, director, producer, and showrunner, and Butheina Kazim, founder and managing director of Cinema Akil, will discuss how women are reshaping the Arabic creative narrative. The session will highlight the growing influence of female voices in film, television, and cultural innovation across the region.
Nadine Labaki, acclaimed director and actress, will join Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairwoman of Music Nation and Music City UAE, in a conversation on the role of creativity in preserving Arabic identity. They will explore how art and storytelling celebrate and safeguard the region's cultural heritage.
The Congress will offer the audience a unique opportunity to hear firsthand insights from two leading voices in creativity and technology. In an intimate fireside conversation, Mo Amer will explore the power of personal narrative in the age of AI with Mo Gawdat. Together, they will discuss storytelling's role in preserving culturally rooted narratives in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, raising important questions about prioritising authenticity, diversity, and historical context over rapid technological advancements.
Under the theme 'Arabic Creativity Reimagined: Innovation in Storytelling and Audience Engagement,' discussions will also address key topics shaping the creative landscape. A panel with Hussein Freijeh (Snap Inc.), Kinda Ibrahim (TikTok), and Moon Baz (Meta) will explore who holds the power in a world where digital content, intellectual property, and personal brands drive value.
With the audiobook market booming globally, a panel featuring Paulo Lemgruber (Audible), Iria Alvarez (Penguin Random House), and Ammar Mardawi (Rufoof) will examine how global trends can drive growth in the market for Arabic audiobooks.