Global Tech Giants Collaborate With Arab Talent At Congress Of Arabic & Creative Industries In September

The Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries is set to return for its fourth edition, featuring a vibrant two-day programme. This event will bring together prominent Arab and international creators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from the realms of culture, technology, and media. Content creators from Abu Dhabi and beyond will also participate in this gathering.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the 2025 edition is scheduled for 14th to 15th September at Etihad Arena. The aim is to enhance the role of the Arabic language in enriching creative industries and contributing significantly to global cultural dialogue.

This year's edition will spotlight leading female voices who are driving creativity and shaping the Arabic cultural narrative. Acclaimed actress and producer Hend Sabry, director Tima Shomali, and Butheina Kazim, founder of Cinema Akil, will discuss how women are reshaping the Arabic creative landscape. Their session will highlight women's growing influence in film, television, and cultural innovation across the region.

Nadine Labaki, a renowned director and actress, will join Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairwoman of Music Nation and Music City UAE. They will explore creativity's role in preserving Arabic identity through art and storytelling. Their conversation will delve into how these mediums continue to celebrate and safeguard the region’s cultural heritage.

The Congress offers attendees a chance to gain insights from leading voices in creativity and technology. In an intimate fireside chat, Mo Amer will discuss personal narratives' power with Mo Gawdat in the age of AI. They will explore how storytelling can preserve culturally rooted narratives amidst technological advancements.

Under the theme "Arabic Creativity Reimagined: Innovation in Storytelling and Audience Engagement," discussions will address key topics shaping today's creative landscape. A panel with Hussein Freijeh (Snap Inc.), Kinda Ibrahim (TikTok), and Moon Baz (Meta) will examine who holds power where digital content drives value.

Impact on Audiobook Market

The booming audiobook market globally presents opportunities for growth in Arabic audiobooks. A panel featuring Paulo Lemgruber (Audible), Iria Alvarez (Penguin Random House), and Ammar Mardawi (Rufoof) will discuss how global trends can influence this market's expansion.

Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Arabic Language Centre, stated that this edition builds on past successes to shift global perceptions of Arab creativity. He said it aims to position Arab creativity internationally while aligning with the richness of Arabic language culture.

The Congress convenes diverse talents like storytellers, artists, filmmakers, technologists from various cultures to exchange ideas within an innovation-driven environment. They explore linking Arab storytelling with creative industries as a living force aligned with Abu Dhabi's vision as a global creative economy centre.

With inputs from WAM