The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) and Amazon have launched a new Digital Arabic Library on Amazon, making over 38,000 Arabic-language Kindle eBooks and Audible audiobooks available globally. According to a joint announcement in January 2026, the initiative aims to address a major gap in digital Arabic content and is part of a landmark digital collaboration to connect readers worldwide with Arabic culture.
What's in the Digital Arabic Library from Amazon?
The new storefront on Amazon.com features a growing collection of more than 38,000 titles. This includes over 33,000 Kindle eBooks and 5,000 Audible audiobooks. To encourage discovery, over 1,000 of these titles are available at no cost.
The library covers a wide range of genres, from history and science to fiction and memoirs. It includes contemporary works and classics like The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, The Muqaddimah by Ibn Khaldun, and Naguib Mahfouz's Cairo Modern. The platform uses Amazon's standard features, such as customer ratings and reviews, to help users find new books.
Bridging a cultural gap
The project's main goal is to significantly increase the amount of Arabic content available online. With more than 400 million Arabic speakers worldwide, the existing digital offering is small. This initiative aims to serve this audience, including the global diaspora and younger generations who are often overlooked.
Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, explained the motivation. "Given the small percentage of Arabic content available online despite the large number of Arabic speakers, this initiative will play an important role in breaking down barriers, increasing access to Arabic literature, and strengthening awareness on the international stage," he said. The project is one of several Arabic digital initiatives emerging from the UAE.
Amazon's role and support for publishers
Amazon is providing the technological backbone for the library, using its AWS cloud services and Amazon Ads solutions to create a unique storefront. The platform is designed to improve discoverability for Arabic titles and support publishers in the region as they adapt to the digital landscape. This builds on Amazon's huge presence in Abu Dhabi.
Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President at Amazon, noted the collaborative effort. "We are celebrating the richness of Arabic culture, while supporting local publishers and authors in the region, as we connect Arabic speakers worldwide with content that matters to them, their culture, and heritage," he said. Over the next three years, the ALC will work with regional publishers to further expand the collection.
How to access the library
The Digital Arabic Library is not a subscription service but a dedicated storefront on the global Amazon.com website. It is live now and accessible to customers worldwide. While over 1,000 titles are free, the rest are available for individual purchase for Kindle devices and apps, or as audiobooks through Audible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Digital Arabic Library?
It is a dedicated storefront on Amazon.com launched by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and Amazon. It offers over 38,000 Arabic-language Kindle eBooks and Audible audiobooks to a global audience, aiming to increase the accessibility of Arabic literature.
How many titles are available in the Digital Arabic Library?
The library launched with more than 38,000 titles. This collection is made up of over 33,000 Kindle eBooks and 5,000 Audible audiobooks across a wide variety of genres, with plans to expand the collection over the next three years.
Are there any free titles available?
Yes, the Digital Arabic Library includes over 1,000 titles that are available at no cost. This selection includes classic and popular works, allowing readers to explore the collection without a purchase.
What is the goal of this initiative?
The primary goal is to enhance the global presence of Arabic content online. It aims to make Arabic cultural and literary works easily accessible to 400 million Arabic speakers worldwide, while also supporting the region's authors and digital publishing industry.
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