The Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries 2025, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, will open tomorrow and run from 14 to 15 September at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, under the theme Arabic Creativity Reimagined: Innovation in Storytelling and Audience Engagement.
The programme features a series of panel discussions and innovative dialogues covering a wide range of topics including; the power of personal storytelling in the age of artificial intelligence; the importance of prioritising authenticity, diversity and historical context in the face of accelerating technological change; the role of women in reshaping creative narratives and opportunities for the growth of the Arabic audiobook market amid the global boom in audiobooks. These and other discussions will bring together leading experts in the creative economy, technology pioneers, content creators, creative talents, and business leaders across the cultural and creative industries.
The Congress will open with a keynote session featuring H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, titled Arabic Creativity Redefining Global Cultural Dialogue. The session will highlight the growing global demand for Arabic content and narratives, reinforcing the role of Arab creativity as a driver of cultural understanding and knowledge exchange. His Excellency will also showcase how DCT Abu Dhabi’s well-crafted strategies empower this vision, enabling Arab creators to build bridges between cultures and offer innovative perspectives in the global creative landscape, thereby deepening human values of connection and understanding.
The programme continues with distinguished speakers and experts from leading creative and technology industries worldwide, alongside international delegations and specialists representing major global brands in media, technology, culture and the arts. The event will also unveil new reports on the Arab creative industries and their economic impact through 2030, offering decision-makers and investors actionable insights and innovative investment opportunities.
H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: “The expansion of the Congress reflects the transformation of discourse in the age of artificial intelligence and supports Abu Dhabi’s vision to consolidate its regional and global leadership in this vital sector, where culture integrates with the economy to unlock vast horizons for growth and innovation.”
He added: “The Congress represents a leading knowledge platform that provides insights and practical recommendations to strengthen the economic value of creative industries and reinforce the Arab cultural presence globally, while giving young talent opportunities to gain expertise and connect with leading creative minds.”
This year’s edition also includes the Congress X Youth Programme, designed to provide university students and young professionals with a dynamic platform to empower the next generation of leaders and creators in media, technology and the arts. The programme offers exceptional opportunities to develop skills, build valuable networks and expertise, and connect with leading creatives, companies and brands across the creative industries. Within this framework, the Youth Programme will feature specialised activities including capacity-building workshops, innovation awards and interactive showcases of emerging talent aimed at refining skills and preparing young participants to embark on their professional journeys with confidence.
