The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The partnership will integrate efforts across the cultural and economic sectors to expand the contribution of creative and cultural content to the national economy in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. It also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s leadership in sustaining the publishing sector and strengthening the Arabic language’s global presence.
The MoU includes measures to enhance legislative frameworks that protect intellectual property rights and promote innovation in publishing, translation, and cultural content. This ensures that creators benefit from their intellectual work while also reducing piracy, especially in light of rapid digital transformations.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by His Excellency Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC, and His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
His Excellency Dr Ali Bin Tamim said that the Memorandum of Understanding is an advanced model of integration between culture and economy. “This is a significant tool for fostering a knowledge-based economy and strengthening the Arabic language and its cultural heritage. These elements are foundational to our national identity and are integral to our nation’s visionary development framework,” he said.
“Strengthening intellectual property legislation and fostering an attractive legal environment for publishing investment will empower the creative industries. This enables creators and publishers to generate added value that supports cultural diversity and consolidates the UAE position as a premier global destination for talent and cultural projects,” His Excellency added.
His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh underscored the importance of the partnership in creating an innovation-friendly environment.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is a strategic step towards supporting the intellectual property system in the country. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to international standards for protecting creative rights, which enhances investor confidence and invigorates the cultural content industry,” he noted.
His Excellency added: “At the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, we empower creative industries as a key driver of future economic growth by supporting innovative projects and developing relevant policies and legislation. Our collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre exemplifies the critical importance of institutional integration in achieving sustainable development goals rooted in knowledge and innovation.
“The UAE's commitment to international intellectual property protection agreements, such as the Paris Convention, the Berne Convention, and those under the World Trade Organization, clearly reflects its vision to support the creative economy and foster an environment that attracts global talent and innovation,” he said.
This MoU encompasses broad cooperation, specifically in developing legislation and policies related to Arabic cultural content; providing awareness and training programmes for creators on their intellectual property rights; supporting research projects focused on protecting the Arabic language; and organising joint cultural events to promote exchange at both regional and international levels.
The MoU also stipulates the joint promotion of initiatives across both entities' digital platforms, representative participation in conferences and events related to cultural policy and intellectual property, as well as flexibility in expanding the scope of cooperation to launch future joint initiatives.
This partnership underscores the ALC’s commitment to establishing innovation and creativity as core pillars for building a sustainable and diversified economy, as well as consolidating the UAE’s standing as a nurturing environment for culture and influential driver of the the future of creative industries, in the Arab world and beyond.
