With the arrival of summer—bringing more free time—we aim to fill those hours with both useful and entertaining activities. Given the current economic challenges across the region, heavy traffic, and rising temperatures, many prefer staying indoors. To help you make the most of your time at home and avoid boredom, we’ve compiled 25 links to free online courses and cultural showcases, all in Arabic. Access them easily from home!
Books
For lovers of scientific reading, the online Arabic collections constitute a public library offering digital access to 12,810 books in Arabic, covering more than 7,469 topics, sourced from prestigious research libraries. Founded with the support of New York University Abu Dhabi, you can browse all the books for free, without registration.Kitab Sawti (Audiobook) is a leading platform for Arabic audiobooks. Its rich library includes over 2,000 audiobooks, comprising novels, poetry collections, scientific works, and summaries of literary pieces. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play. After registering (and a trial period), you can subscribe to a weekly, monthly, or annual subscription.
Culture
The Arab Fund for Culture and Arts (AFAC) has launched an online film and music initiative, offering weekly programs featuring examples of the artistic projects it has funded since 2007. These programs include various types of films, music, photography, and more. You can enjoy this diverse content on their official website or Facebook page.
The Egyptian Ministry of Culture provides numerous cultural performances on its YouTube channel, such as plays, operas, concerts, dance shows, and documentaries about great Egyptian artists. The dates of upcoming events are announced on their official Facebook page.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo offers live lectures on archaeology and Egyptology on its official Facebook page, as well as virtual guided tours and detailed presentations of unique pieces from its collection.
Radio Atheer, an initiative by the European Union developed by the Goethe-Institut in collaboration with Palestinian cultural actors, aims to encourage creative and artistic expression among Palestinians through independent and critical media coverage. The Radio Atheer podcast provides an audio archive, featuring interviews and captivating narratives that weave identity into Palestinian culture.
If you want to learn more about psychotherapy or improve your mental health, visit the Mental Health podcast, where common psychological issues are explained in a simple and effective manner. The podcast seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding therapy in many Arab countries.
Free Training and Learning
Shamsuna Al-Arabiya (Our Arab Sun)is a free educational project sponsored by the Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian and Scientific Foundation. The project translates university lectures from various disciplines (natural sciences, psychology, computer science, etc.) taught at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and MIT, distributing them for free on its website and YouTube channel, with no registration required.
The renowned global platform Khan Academy translates its content into multiple languages, including Arabic. Numerous educational videos covering mathematics, science, computer science, and statistics are already available.
Coursat is an Arabic platform offering free courses in various fields (design, Photoshop, programming, science, languages). The courses are in Arabic or subtitled. No registration is necessary.
Edraak, under the patronage of the Queen Rania Foundation, provides courses in Arabic for adults ("Continuing Education") and for children, parents, and teachers ("School Education"). The adult courses cover essential skills such as financial management, stress management, and using Microsoft Office. Registration is required, but all courses are free.
Nadrus is another multidisciplinary Arabic platform, even including hands-on skills (photography, music, sewing). Beginner-level courses are often free, while advanced levels may be paid.
Alf Startup is an ideal platform for Arabic speakers looking to launch their own businesses. It offers free courses on entrepreneurship and provides free consultations to help young entrepreneurs secure funding.
Leisure Activities
Learn how to draw portraits and landscapes using pencil and watercolor with Duaa Moaz. Her Arabic-language YouTube channel is specially designed for beginners.
Have you always dreamed of mastering a musical instrument? I'zif offers singing and music lessons for various instruments and skill levels. Some beginner courses are available for free (accessible on YouTube), while advanced levels require payment.
Would you like to knit a sweater for winter or decorate your home with crochet? Crochet Café with Lolyteaches you crochet in Arabic, guiding you from the simplest stitches to creating an entire dress, completely free on YouTube.
Staying at home often leads to increased cravings for food. Chef Manal Alalem teaches you how to prepare both savory and sweet dishes while providing nutritional advice on her YouTube channel.
Sports
Spending more time at home makes physical exercise even more crucial for maintaining both your physical and mental well-being. Many workout routines require no special space or equipment—just an exercise mat and a water bottle.
Interested in trying yoga with a professional instructor? Shadana, a certified yoga teacher, offers free exercise routines and detailed explanations on her YouTube channel.
Waqti Fitness is a YouTube channel that brings together Arab coaches specializing in CrossFit, cardio, yoga, and Pilates, offering nutritional guidance and customized programs for pregnant women or those focusing on weight loss.
Hassan Jabr, a CrossFit coach, shares workout routines, nutritional tips, and corrects common exercise mistakes during training sessions through his Facebook and YouTube channels.
August 2025