In the latest episode of the Localization Fireside Chat, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dareen MuKhaimer, the dynamic CEO of e-Arabization. Dareen‘s journey in the localization industry is as inspiring as it is insightful. From her early days as a junior translator to leading one of the most influential localization companies in the Middle East, Dareen’s story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a deep commitment to preserving and promoting the Arabic language. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_XaEFTUSv5w
The Beginnings of a Localization Journey
Dareen‘s path into the localization industry began when she was just 16. Although she initially aspired to study political science, her father persuaded her to pursue languages and translation. She took this advice to heart and earned a bachelor’s degree in English-Arabic translation from a university in Amman, Jordan. Eager to deepen her expertise, she traveled to the University of Leeds in the UK, where she completed her master’s degree in the same field.
Upon returning to Jordan, Dareen joined a Qatari company with an office in Amman as a junior translator. Here, she had the opportunity to work on SAP localization projects, which marked her entry into the world of software translation. This experience was transformative, providing her with the skills and confidence to eventually start her own company.
The Birth and Growth of e-Arabization
In 2007, Dareen founded e-Arabization in a small office in Amman, Jordan. She started with a handful of projects and gradually expanded her team. The company’s headquarters eventually moved to Dubai, and additional offices were established in Riyadh and Egypt. Today, e-Arabization boasts a team of over 400 linguists, serving a diverse clientele across various industries.
The company’s growth has been driven by its commitment to quality and client satisfaction. e-Arabization specializes in e-commerce localization, working with major names like Amazon and the Landmark Group. They also provide subtitling services for giants such as Netflix and Disney, and they handle significant educational projects, including UN-based initiatives for localizing curricula into Arabic for refugees.
Embracing AI and Technological Advancements
One of the central themes of our conversation was the role of AI and technology in localization. Dareen acknowledges that while AI and machine translation have made significant strides, Arabic is still lagging behind due to the lack of sufficient online content. This gap, however, presents a unique opportunity for e-Arabization.
To address the growing demand for creative content in Arabic, e-Arabization recently launched a content creation department. This initiative aims to provide high-quality, creative Arabic content that cannot be easily generated by AI. By collaborating with IT companies, e-Arabization leverages AI to generate content, but they rely heavily on human expertise to ensure quality and cultural relevance.
Challenges and Opportunities in Arabic Localization
Despite the advancements in technology, the Arabic language faces significant challenges online. Arabic content constitutes less than 3% of the total online content, a stark contrast to the hundreds of millions of Arabic speakers worldwide. This disparity highlights the need for more robust initiatives to promote and preserve the Arabic language.
Dareen pointed out that various countries, especially in the GCC region, are making efforts to preserve Arabic. Government bodies like the Arabic Language Academy in Qatar are actively working to maintain and promote the language. However, these efforts are often fragmented, and the results are not yet fully reflected in the online content landscape.
The Importance of Client-Centric Approach
A key factor in e-Arabization’s success has been its client-centric approach. Dareen emphasized the importance of flexibility and understanding client needs. Whether it’s adjusting terminology for different regions or meeting tight deadlines, e-Arabization strives to exceed client expectations. This approach has helped them build strong, long-lasting relationships with clients and maintain a high client retention rate.
Looking Ahead: The Future of e-Arabization
As we look to the future, Dareen envisions e-Arabization continuing to grow and innovate. The company aims to be the leading Arabic localization provider in the region, expanding its client base and enhancing its services. They are particularly focused on pioneering Arabic content creation, leveraging both human creativity and AI.
Dareen’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the localization industry is simple yet profound: embrace change, prioritize quality, and build strong relationships with clients. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with persistence, innovation, and a deep commitment to one’s culture and language, it is possible to make a significant impact in the global localization landscape.
Conclusion
Interviewing Dareen MuKhaimer was an enlightening experience. Her insights into the challenges and opportunities in Arabic localization are invaluable for anyone interested in the language industry. As e-Arabization continues to empower Arabic culture through localization, Dareen’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly inspire many in the years to come.
Connect with us.
Wathch the full episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/_XaEFTUSv5w
Bu audio podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/l10nfiresidechat
Connect with Dareen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dareen-mukhaimer-7597b94/
Connect with Robin Ayoub: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinayoub/
Localization Fireside Chat: https://www.linkedin.com/company/localization-fireside-chat/?viewAsMember=true
eArabization: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-arabization/
eArabization: http://www.earabization.com
Robin Ayoub 
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