Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has helped develop an innovative new app that encourages adoption and mastery of the Arabic language.

The ‘Scan and Learn Arabic’ app, launched in collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Community Development (DCD) and Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), allows smartphone and tablet users to scan objects around the city, the names of which are then translated into Arabic.

The app aims to support all the government entities’ mandate to create a cohesive society, fostered through language learning. The initiative also furthers the ALC’s objectives to support Arabic by harnessing innovation, while ensuring the preservation of the language and its continued use in everyday society.

Users can download the application for free on iOS and Android platforms, and then use its built-in optical reader to scan texts at key facilities along the Abu Dhabi Corniche – the first of many sites in the emirate to be added. This will help visitors and residents from all segments of the community to learn the Arabic language and use it more in their daily lives.

His Excellency Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “We are dedicated to preserving the Arabic language as a core component of our Arab and Emirati culture, and keep it unmistakably present in the everyday lives of all members of our community. This initiative allows us to make the most from advanced technologies in our efforts to advance the Arabic language, improve its proficiency among speakers, and cement its position as the primary language of use among native speakers, while paving the way for non-native speakers to learn it.”

His Excellency Eng. Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the DCD, said “The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is collaborating with various key sectors in the emirate to launch this initiative, which reflects the extent to which entities and institutions across Abu Dhabi value the Arabic language and consider it to be a language of creativity and cross-cultural communication, bringing Arab communities closer with societies around the world. We fully recognise and appreciate the importance of such initiatives in strengthening our national identity through the Arabic language, one of the most essential foundations in our Arab and Emirati culture. Learning Arabic will also strengthen social cohesion among all components of our community. Research has shown that promoting the official language in any country and creating opportunities to learn it more easily enhances communication and solidarity among all the groups that make up said society.

“On one hand, the initiative allows for more extensive communication among all segments of the community, strengthening native speakers’ bond with the Arabic language. On the other hand, it sheds light on an array of educational options they can use to deepen their knowledge of the language. It will also enhance Arabic vocabularies amongst speakers, make the language more accessible, and widen its scope of use. It is essential that we support the Arabic language, advance it, and encourage younger generations to use it – this is the first step to driving sustainable development across communities and strengthen the bonds that bring a society together.”

His Excellency Abdulla Al Sahi, Undersecretary of the DMT, said: “It is critical that all relevant parties work together in order to provide all the tools necessary for promoting the use of the Arabic language in every aspect of our daily lives. The Arabic language is immensely rich in details and vocabulary and has had an undeniable legacy and tremendous contributions towards human civilisation for centuries. Our native language is one of the most important means of communication; it has long been the cornerstone of the harmony in our societies, offering a platform throughout history for literary, scientific, and social dialogue between various peoples.

“For our part in this joint project, the Department of Municipalities and Transport will work to identify key sites in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi throughout all stages of the initiative. We will work to ensure that the necessary technology is applied in order to advance the Arabic language in our operations and strengthen its role as a means for serving the community and promoting cohesion among various nationalities.”

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About Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, established following a directive from the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, works to support Arabic language development and modernisation through comprehensive strategies and frameworks, enrich the scientific, educational, cultural and creative contributions of the Arabic language, promote Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding, and support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, arts, content creation and organisation of book fairs. The Centre works to realise its foundational vision through dedicated programmes, human expertise, and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture, tourism and creative sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.

About Department of Community Development

The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD) was established in 2018 to govern the social and community-development sector through a set of policies, strategies, systems, and standards. The Department aims to improve the quality of life in the emirate and provide a dignified life for all, through high-quality, impactful, and efficient services. One of DCD’s priorities is to raise awareness about social issues pertinent to Abu Dhabi and its people and find innovative solutions. 

There are four main entities under the umbrella of DCD, namely: Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (ADSSA), Authority of Social Contribution - (Ma'an), Abu Dhabi Centre for Sheltering, and Humanitarian Care - (Ewa'a), and Family Care Authority (FCA). The department also collaborates with 6 partners in the community development sector in Abu Dhabi to achieve the desired goals. These entities include Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO), Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), Family Development Foundation (FDF), The Social Care and Minors Affairs Foundation (SCMAF), Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA), and Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA). 

About the Department of Municipalities and Transport

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) was established by Law No. 30 of 2019 and is the entity responsible for managing the urban planning and transport sectors, and three regional municipalities.

As the entity responsible for supporting the growth and urban development of Abu Dhabi Emirate, the DMT guides, regulates and monitors urban development activities. The expert authority improves municipal work to provide comprehensive services and creates higher living standards for residents through the supervision and management of the municipalities.

The DMT ensures the highest standards of safety, security, sustainability and technological developments of land, air and maritime transport networks of the Emirate, in line with the highest international standards and UAE legislation.