In today’s fast-paced world, book apps have become one of the most convenient ways to stay connected to knowledge. Whether you’re into arts, sciences, fashion, or literature, these apps bring the best reads right to your fingertips. Here are some of the top Arabic book apps that will elevate your reading experience:

1. Abjad – The Ultimate Arabic Reading Experience

Abjad, launched in 2012 by Iman Halawz and Tamim Al-Munaseer, is one of the most popular Arabic book apps. With an initial investment of $15,000 from Oasis 500, the platform attracted over 10,000 users in its first three months.

Abjad isn’t just a reading app—it’s a social network for book lovers. Users can create virtual libraries, keep track of current and future reads, and enjoy recommendations from friends. Abjad later transitioned into a subscription model, offering access to the latest Arabic and global books for a monthly, semi-annual, or annual fee.

With a user-friendly interface and a powerful search engine, Abjad features a massive database of both Arabic and foreign books, including over 30,000 Arabic titles. Regular updates keep users hooked, and the community affectionately refers to themselves as “Abjadians” due to their enthusiasm for the app’s unique offerings.

2. Hindawi – A Gateway to Knowledge

Hindawi is the official app of the Hindawi Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2007. This app provides access to an enormous range of translated works and educational materials, catering to both casual readers and serious researchers.

Hindawi is especially known for its focus on preserving and promoting Arabic literary heritage. The app offers a collection of classic works, collaborations with renowned authors, and a platform for rising literary stars. Hindawi’s mission is to enrich the reading experience with unique, high-quality content that bridges readers to global knowledge.

3. Kitab Sawti – The Power of Audiobooks

Founded in 2016 by Abdullah Elyas and Magnus Olsson, Kitab Sawti is an audiobook platform that launched with $6 million in funding. Initially, the platform partnered with top publishing houses in the Arab world and made its debut in Dubai, UAE.

Kitab Sawti offers a vast library of audiobooks spanning various genres, and its services are available in over 70 countries worldwide. After the successful trial phase, the company launched its premium version, which includes offline access and exclusive features. With its subscription-based model, Kitab Sawti compensates authors fairly while bringing stories to life through audio.

Kitab Sawti has become a leader in the Arab audiobook market, employing diverse talents to continually improve the app. Its success has attracted significant investment, cementing its role as one of the top Arabic apps for spreading culture through sound.

4. Storytel – A Global Audiobook Giant with Arabic Roots

Storytel was launched in Dubai in 2016 by Sebastian Bond and Anton Pollack. Initially a platform aimed at integrating Syrian refugees into Swedish society, it quickly grew into a global audiobook powerhouse.

With its broad offering of audiobooks and podcasts, Storytel caters to Arabic-speaking users across the Middle East and North Africa. The app features works by renowned authors like Stephen Hawking, Saud Alsanousi, and Ghazi Al Gosaibi, among others.

In 2021, Storytel acquired Kitab Sawti in a major deal that expanded its audience and catalog. Sebastian Bond, co-founder of Storytel, commented, “We’re incredibly proud of what Kitab Sawti has achieved, and we’re confident that with Storytel’s technical expertise, we’ll continue to revolutionize the audiobook market.”

Storytel’s expansion into the Arabic market is just the beginning, as they aim to secure more deals to further grow their audience and connect readers with authors and publishers across the globe.

In recent years, Arab women have made significant strides in the entrepreneurial world, overcoming obstacles and challenges that often define this tough landscape. We regularly highlight exceptional female founders who have launched startups and secured impressive funding.

In this article, we recommend a selection of must-watch films about inspiring women entrepreneurs that offer important lessons and life-changing moments every aspiring businesswoman can relate to.

1. The Devil Wears Prada: Surviving Workplace Power Struggles

Without question, The Devil Wears Prada tops our list as an essential watch for female entrepreneurs. This iconic film, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, delves into the dynamics of power and ambition in the workplace, focusing on the relationship between a demanding boss and a newcomer eager to prove herself.

The film highlights the psychological atmosphere of a high-pressure workplace, offering key lessons on how to foster a healthy work environment—something all entrepreneurs should strive to create. With a box office haul of over $325 million, this film is a must-see for those navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

2. Coco Before Chanel: Defying Societal Expectations

Coco Before Chanel tells the remarkable story of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the woman behind one of the most influential fashion brands in history. This 2009 French film, starring Audrey Tautou, chronicles Chanel’s rise from working-class struggles to founding her fashion empire.

The film is a powerful narrative for any entrepreneur facing adversity, particularly women fighting societal norms that undermine their ambitions. Chanel’s journey is filled with setbacks, societal rejection, and personal challenges, but her persistence led to extraordinary success. Coco Before Chanel stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation in the business world.

3. Baby Boom: Balancing Career and Motherhood

Baby Boom, starring Diane Keaton and Sam Shepard, is a 1987 classic that strikes at the heart of a dilemma many women face—balancing career ambitions with motherhood.

In this film, Keaton’s character struggles to maintain her career while taking care of a baby. Torn between work and family, she ultimately makes life-changing decisions that highlight the tension between professional success and personal fulfillment. The film’s poignant message reminds us that true happiness can’t always be found in the boardroom, making it an important watch for any woman striving for balance in her life.

4. The Intern: Learning from Experience

The Intern (2015), starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro, offers lessons not only for female entrepreneurs but for anyone entering the world of business. De Niro plays an elderly intern learning the ropes at a rapidly growing startup, while Hathaway portrays the overworked CEO.

This heartwarming comedy-drama explores the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, showcasing the pressures entrepreneurs face when dedicating every waking hour to their business. It’s an inspiring reminder that no matter how experienced you are, there’s always something new to learn—and sometimes, wisdom comes from the most unexpected places.

5. Joy: Overcoming Adversity and Building a Legacy

Joy is a biographical drama that tells the story of Joy Mangano, a self-made entrepreneur who battled through financial struggles and personal hardships to build her business empire. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, this film demonstrates the power of persistence in the face of overwhelming odds.

Joy’s journey serves as a blueprint for entrepreneurs, especially women, showing that even the most challenging circumstances can be transformed into opportunities. The film underscores the importance of resilience, innovation, and turning life’s difficulties into stepping stones toward success.

6. The Proposal: Navigating Professional and Personal Life

In The Proposal, Sandra Bullock stars as a high-powered editor at a publishing house who is forced to marry her assistant (played by Ryan Reynolds) to avoid deportation. While the plot revolves around a fake marriage, the film also tackles the life of a career-driven woman who has focused entirely on her work at the expense of her personal life.

The film’s success, earning several global award nominations, resonates with female entrepreneurs who might struggle to balance personal fulfillment with professional ambition. It’s a reminder that life has many facets, and success doesn’t solely hinge on work.

7. Julie and Julia: Turning Passion Into Profit

Julie and Julia tells the delightful true story of Julie Powell, who found success through her passion for cooking and blogging. Starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, the film follows Julie as she documents her attempt to cook every recipe in Julia Child’s famous cookbook, eventually leading to her own professional success.

This film delivers an essential lesson for entrepreneurs: passion is a powerful driving force. Julie’s dedication to her hobby transformed her life, proving that following your passion can lead to unexpected and remarkable opportunities. It’s an inspiring watch for anyone looking to turn what they love into a thriving business.

Final Thoughts:

Have you watched any of these films? Let us know your favorite in the comments, and don’t forget to suggest other inspiring films about women entrepreneurs we should add to the list.