The Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies is spearheading an ambitious encyclopaedia project, titled "Arabica," aimed at filling a significant gap in reliable Arabic reference material. Dr. Azmi Bishara, the centre’s general director, emphasized the project's importance in advancing Arab societies, preserving cultural identity, and fostering intellectual development.
Speaking during a special broadcast of the cultural programme Difaf on Alaraby 2, Dr. Bishara outlined the initiative’s goals and methodology ahead of the planned launch of the main online portal in January 2027. He noted that the absence of a comprehensive Arabic encyclopaedia has contributed to slower progress in developing native scholarly resources, while the widespread fragmentation of information has underscored the need for trustworthy references in the Arab world.
"Arabica" aims to produce approximately 60,000 entries covering a broad range of general topics, with particular attention to the histories and issues pertinent to Arab countries. According to Dr. Bishara, this regional focus will illuminate subjects that are often underrepresented or overlooked in existing encyclopaedias. In addition to content development, the project is dedicated to standardizing Arabic terminology, drawing on expertise from related scholarly initiatives such as the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language.
The undertaking has involved about three years of work to construct its infrastructure. Dr. Bishara stressed that the project's value extends beyond mere aggregation of information; it employs a rigorous scholarly methodology committed to accuracy and factual integrity. This approach, he said, is crucial amid the rapid growth of information access and the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) tools, as questions persist regarding the reliability of data available to both users and AI systems.
By establishing a well-founded, academically robust repository of knowledge, "Arabica" seeks to democratize science and knowledge in Arabic, grounding it firmly within its linguistic and cultural context. The encyclopaedia is also expected to enhance the quality of Arabic data accessible to AI platforms, potentially improving the reliability of AI-generated content related to the Arab world.
Dr. Bishara further highlighted Qatar’s support for the project, describing it as a significant opportunity to contribute to Arab intellectual advancement. The online portal, scheduled to debut in early 2027, will serve as the project’s main interface, supported by an expanding network of researchers committed to building a comprehensive and credible Arabic knowledge base.