The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has launched the region’s largest, most comprehensive audiobook platform, “Masmoou.com”, through its educational arm, Qindeel Educational. The platform was developed following directives from the Foundation’s Chairman His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and offers a wide variety of e-books, audio content, and online material, covering various subjects and topics, all in a bid to spread knowledge across the region and the world.
The launch was announced at a press conference attended by His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, and Saif Al Mansouri, Director-General of MBRF Holding, in addition to representatives from the platform’s partners: Al Rawi Media, Kitab Sawti Co., Soundless Co., Qitaf Int. Co., Machina Communications Co., Rodian Co., and Booklava Ventures.
In its first phase, the flagship project will offer Arabic audiobooks, with content in foreign languages to be added at a later stage. The platform seeks to consolidate efforts that seek to spread knowledge and keep up with publishing trends. It will also work to encourage production of audiobooks, bringing together all cultural efforts under one roof. It also aims to preserve and promote the Arabic language, its authenticity, and heritage.
In his keynote address, H.E. bin Huwaireb said: “In line with the innovative vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, MBRF has, since its inception, strived to launch state-of-the-art initiatives that work to push the boundaries of knowledge into new horizons. We work to spread a culture of knowledge and education among all segments of society.”
“Masmoou.com is a major milestone in culture and knowledge development. It complements classic publication schemes to produce and publish a wide array of high-quality audiobooks, using cutting-edge technology. This ultimately falls under our main objective: to spread culture and knowledge across the community.” H.E. added. “The platform will collaborate with educational institutions, publishing houses, and libraries to keep up with the rapid technological advancements and tap into the great benefits and outreach of audiobooks.”
Masmoou.com will constitute an added value for all segments of society, enabling people with visual impairments to indulge in a world of knowledge that caters to their needs and requirements. The platform will bring together books of different topics and orientations, including family and children, and will constantly expand to further genres. It will closely cooperate with several publishing houses to expand its database, and will also encompass short versions of Qindeel’s “A Book in Minutes” series, along with various MBRF publications.
With a rich selection of Arabic and international books, the brand new platform will attract avid readers and knowledge seekers from across the world. At the same time, it will keep in pace with the latest technological advancement around the world, offering online material that can be accessed 24/7 via smart applications. Among many other features, the state-of-the-art platform will incorporate an online payment portal, enabling hassle-free download via the website or the app. In addition, companies, enterprises, universities, and publishing houses can integrate their own audiobook libraries to Masmoou.com.
Moreover, the platform will work to encourage reading in the Arab world, promote the use of Arabic language, and constitute a pioneering step that will enrich online Arabic audio content. It will boost reading, especially among young Arabs, by tapping into modern communication tools and technology. The platform will also play a vital role in supporting talented Arab writers.
