E-Qur’an and Islamic Encyclopedia Platform

RIYADH, 26 December 2006 — Intel’s Platform Definition Center in Egypt and local software content innovator Dar Al-Rasm Al-Othmani have jointly developed a wireless digital Qur’an and Islamic encyclopedia that will be available in 40 different languages making it usable across the world.

Eden Creek is an ultra-mobile device based on Intel’s newly announced family of LPIA (Low Power on Intel Architecture) processors. It contains the Holy Qur’an, audio recitations in 40 different languages, 100 different interactive Qur’an explanations, 500,000 religious science pages as well as three million to five million pages dedicated to “Omahat Al Kotob” historical books. This whole package is bundled in a sleek e-book design with 7-inch display and built-in WiFi to interface with Islamic portals, and allow the user to stay connected to the Muslim online community.

One of the important achievements of Dar Al-Rasm Al-Othmani is the Qur’an for the physically disabled that operates via voice commands, allowing people who cannot physically touch or see the Qur’an to experience it. The software made a considerable difference to the physically disabled and led to discovering a new market for the product.

“This joint development comes as part of Intel’s commitment in the region and constantly working with local pioneers to introduce new and innovative products tailored to the region with international standards,” said Khaled Elamrawi, Intel GM for Egypt, Levant and North Africa. “The collaboration between Intel and Dar Al-Rasm Al-Othmani is making true on Intel’s World Ahead promise of bringing relevant information and accessible technology to enrich the lives of the next billion users.”

Platform Definition Center is one of Intel’s programs to increase accessibility of information and communication technology in the Middle East. It was launched in Egypt in 2005, allowing Intel to study computer usage models in the region and develop platforms that correspond specifically to the regional customers’ needs. Since its launch, the Egyptian Platform Definition Center has already quadrupled in size, and expects to deliver a country-specific platform in 2006.

The E-Qur’an was showcased in Saudi Arabia where Intel Chairman Dr. Craig Barrett was keynote speaker at an event hosted by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). Dr. Barrett’s visit to the Kingdom was part of his “Expanding What’s Possible” tour. This was an “Amazon to Africa” initiative which started in Brazil, continued on through India, China and South Africa, and then landed in the Middle East where stops were made in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The tour focused on digital transformation and the role of connectivity, education, content and accessibility in helping communities develop to the next level of ICT advancement.