Katara Cultural Village has launched 28, a magazine that aims to help non-Arabs to learn Arabic and explore the richness of the language through engaging stories.

The name 28 refers to the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet, symbolising the essence of the language and its integral role in communication and culture.

The magazine seeks to serve a large segment of people who are eager to learn Arabic.

The pilot issue of the magazine was released in January 2025, followed by the second issue in April.

From the current issue onward, 28 will be published monthly on a regular basis.

Every issue of 28 features four engaging stories that introduce learners to everyday dialogues and essential phrases across different settings, such as airports, workplaces, and social interactions.

The stories are carefully crafted using Arabic script alongside transliterations and phonetic pronunciation in Latin letters, allowing learners to easily grasp both pronunciation and meaning.

Katara general manager Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said that the launch of 28 aligns with Katara’s mission as a hub for multicultural activities and its commitment to strengthening ties between Arab and global communities.

“Cultural diversity fosters harmony among people, paving the way for trust, respect, and understanding through intercultural exchange,” he said. “28 will help large numbers of people, who otherwise had no interaction with Arabic, to understand the essentials of the language.”

Katara events and cultural affairs director Khalid Abdul Rahim al-Sayed, who is also the editor-in-chief of 28, said that the idea for the magazine was inspired by observing the many tourist groups visiting Katara from across the world and their keen interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the Arabic language.

Beyond language instruction, 28 delves into cultural elements that enrich the learning experience - from the elegance of Arabic calligraphy to the cultural importance of Arabic coffee traditions.

In addition to weaving cultural insights into language learning, the magazine includes interactive features like puzzles to make the process more engaging and impactful.

Arabic, spoken by more than 400mn people worldwide, holds deep historical, literary, and artistic significance.

It is a gateway to diverse cultural and linguistic heritage, with the United Nations recognising it as one of its official languages.