Abu Dhabi Hosts Congress Of Arabic & Creative Industries 2025 To Explore Innovation In Storytelling

The Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries 2025 commenced at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the event is themed "Arabic Creativity Reimagined: Innovation in Storytelling and Audience Engagement." Attendees include Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC, and various officials and innovators.

In his keynote speech, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak highlighted the significance of cultural and creative industries in the global economy. These sectors contribute over US$2.3 trillion annually, accounting for about 3% of global GDP. He emphasised their role in fostering growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development worldwide.

Al Mubarak discussed Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to become a regional and global hub for cultural transformation. The Cultural District on Saadiyat Island exemplifies this vision by connecting people globally and showcasing diverse cultural institutions. This initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi as a leader in supporting cultural diversity.

He also mentioned that Abu Dhabi is launching pioneering programmes to support cultural industries while reflecting local values. These initiatives aim to engage with global narratives, ensuring the UAE and Arab world remain central to the cultural stage.

A partnership between ALC and Amazon Alexa will create the world's largest digital library of Arabic content. This collaboration will offer thousands of Arabic books in various formats, combining Abu Dhabi's publishing expertise with Amazon's distribution technologies. The goal is to share Arab culture with millions globally.

This initiative will make Arabic literature more accessible digitally, providing Arab creators opportunities to reach diverse audiences. It reaffirms Abu Dhabi's role as a platform for authentic Arab narratives to thrive internationally.

Programme Highlights and Discussions

The congress features panel discussions on topics like personal storytelling in AI's era, authenticity amid technological change, women's roles in reshaping narratives, and opportunities in the growing Arabic audiobook market. Experts from creative industries will share insights on these subjects.

The event will also present new reports on Arab creative industries' economic impact through 2030. These reports aim to provide decision-makers with actionable insights and innovative investment opportunities within the sector.

Al Mubarak concluded by expressing pride in Abu Dhabi's identity and heritage while fostering creativity through diversity. "Today we affirm that we enrich global culture with our local voices," he stated, highlighting the potential of Arab creators to inspire worldwide audiences.

With inputs from WAM