Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre Bestows Grants On Global Publishers

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has granted 53 new awards to 36 publishing houses globally as part of its 2024 "Spotlight on Rights" programme. This initiative aims to support the translation of content into and from Arabic, as well as converting printed books into digital and audio formats.

Since its launch in 2009, the programme has facilitated the publication of over 1,324 books across various categories such as children's literature, science, history, and social sciences. More than 190 publishers have benefited from these grants, enriching Arab libraries with works translated from numerous international languages.

The "Spotlight on Rights" initiative provides financial support to publishers participating in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). The goal is to foster cooperation between Arab and international publishers to improve the quality of Arabic content available across different media.

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, stated, "Through the ‘Spotlight on Rights’ programme, we are committed to enriching and supporting the publishing industry, elevating its status, and underlining its role as a fundamental cultural pillar. We strive to promote respect for intellectual property rights in the Arab world, in line with the leading role played by the UAE and Abu Dhabi in enacting legislation that protects copyright and ensures that the efforts of authors, publishers, and translators are safeguarded."

Al Tunaiji also highlighted the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. He said these developments present significant challenges but also opportunities to support the publishing industry. "We live in a world that is constantly being transformed by technological advances that are evolving at a rapid pace," Al Tunaiji continued. "This presents us with significant challenges, particularly in terms of finding ways to harness these developments to serve and support the publishing industry. With the ‘Spotlight on Rights’ programme, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre aims to foster a culture of exchanging intellectual property rights, encouraging translation, and enriching Arabic content."

Grant Applications and Financial Support

The programme has received 635 grant applications for e-books and audiobooks and 554 applications for translation grants in 13 languages. To date, it has translated 28 books and converted 25 titles from print to e-book and audiobook formats.

Grants for translation range from AED9,200 to AED14,700 per book. Meanwhile, grants for e-book production range from AED3,700 to AED7,400 per book. Audiobook production grants range from AED5,500 to AED7,400 per title.

This initiative underscores ALC's dedication to advancing the publishing sector while promoting respect for intellectual property rights within the Arab world.

With inputs from WAM