Hajra Naz
ABU DHABI, Aug 13 (WAM/APP) – The UAE is setting a global benchmark in using artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve, enhance, and globalise the Arabic language. By blending tradition with technology, the country is ensuring Arabic remains relevant in the digital age while also strengthening its cultural heritage and global linguistic influence.
Across government, education, and cultural sectors, AI-driven projects are transforming
- Publishing
- Lexicography
- Education
- Creative industries.
AI-Powered Arabic Language Projects
One major achievement is the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. It was completed in Sharjah, the Capital of Arab Culture. This project records the evolution of Arabic over centuries.
Building on this, the GPT Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language was launched. It uses AI and machine learning to make Arabic more accessible worldwide. The dictionary holds over 20 million Arabic words.
Users can write, read, and convert text into videos. They can also keep adding new terms. The project is a partnership between the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah and the Emirates Scholar Research Centre.
Read More: Study Finds Over Half of UAE Residents Use Polite Language with AI
Boosting Digital Knowledge and Publishing
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation is boosting Arabic digital culture. It runs the Digital Knowledge Hub, a massive Arabic content platform. In 2024, it passed 800,000 titles and 8.5 million digital items. These are spread across 18 specialised libraries.
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is part of the Department of Culture and Tourism. It launched an AI-based Arabic-English dictionary. The dictionary has more than 7,000 modern terms. It includes AI-powered pronunciation, definitions, examples, and images. It also offers advanced linguistic classifications.
Collaboration with Leading Universities
The Centre has teamed up with New York University Abu Dhabi and Zayed University. Together, they created the Balanced Arabic Readability Corpus, known as BAREC. It brings together 10 million words drawn from a wide mix of literary genres. Researchers say it’s now one of the most valuable tools for AI-based Arabic language studies.
AI in Education and Literacy
New AI initiatives for Arabic language learning are being implemented by colleges and schools around the United Arab Emirates. Lessons are becoming more accessible and interesting for pupils as a result of these initiatives.
The Digital Square idea was initially shown to attendees during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The area is intended to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) may revolutionize digital storytelling, e-books, and publishing.
Why This Matters
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Positions the UAE as a global hub for AI-driven linguistic innovation.
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Protects Arabic heritage while ensuring adaptability for future tech ecosystems.
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Empowers researchers, educators, and content creators with advanced digital tools.
