Arabic Digital Library (DAL) Transitions from Concept to Reality
The Arabic Digital Library (DAL) project, launched by the Abu Dhabi Center in collaboration with two renowned platforms, aims to bridge the gap in Arabic publishing in the digital world. The project was announced by the Arab Publishers Association during the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from January 21 to February 3, 2026.
Project Scope and Priorities
In this initial phase, the project focuses on fiction, non-fiction, and comic books, while children's books are currently excluded. The organizers aim to avoid any gray areas regarding rights, and even public domain titles are excluded if they already exist in digital format with another publisher. To participate, publishers must meet specific requirements, including:
- Membership in a professional association
- Compliance with legal and technical standards
- Accurate metadata tracking
Participation Requirements
Publishers must submit an application form and provide a descriptive sheet for their publications. Accepted file formats include Word, InDesign, and ePub3, with clear guidelines for files and covers to ensure optimal distribution.
Technical Requirements for ePub3 Files
- File naming convention: ISBN number followed by the extension (e.g., 9789771234567.epub)
- Cover art: JPEG-RGB format, limited to 10 megabytes, and named identically to the book file (e.g., 9789771234567.jpg)
Benefits for Publishers
In exchange for participating, the project takes care of book digitization and global distribution. According to the same source, over 300 digital platforms, the DAL platform, and more than 10,000 public libraries worldwide will be involved. Publishers receive their revenue on a quarterly basis and also retrieve their final digital files, which they can use freely on their own platforms or local networks. This allows publishers to regain control over their digital content while benefiting from protection against piracy, a significant issue in Arabic publishing.
Financial Incentives
Additional financial incentives, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are offered, with priority given to early participants. For many publishers, the Arabic Digital Library becomes a concrete tool for opening new opportunities, increasing the visibility of Arabic books, and repositioning publishing in the global reading economy.
Read More
For more information on the project's modalities, visit: Lancement d’une Bibliothèque numérique arabe lors du Salon international du livre du Caire
