The Project:
MTE Studios, a specialized consultancy firm focused on Lifescape Architecture and interactive experiences located in Dubai, Bahrain and Cape Town, undertook the prestigious project of creating a permanent exhibition at Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai titled «1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered.” The first of its kind in the world, this unique exhibition aspired to increase awareness of Muslim contributions to science, technology and the modern world.
The Challenge:
MTE Studios needed a partner that demonstrated:
> Cultural Relevance and Expertise: a deep understanding of Arab and Muslim heritage, and one that could successfully navigate cultural nuances.
> Linguistic Competence: strong linguistic capabilities in Arabic (and English) to ensure accurate and meaningful translation, transcreation, and adaptation of MTE’s content.
> Shared Vision and Values: an honest belief in the value and significance of MTE’s project. This alignment in vision and values was crucial for a successful partnership.
Addressing the Challenge:
Tabeer, the partner for leveraging words and connecting cultures across the globe, emerged as the ideal partner for MTE Studios. Through meticulous planning and implementation, Tabeer embarked on a 12-month journey to localize and Arabize the exhibition’s entire content, ensuring accuracy whilst taking into account the cultural dimension and sensitivities at every step.
Tabeer’s Approach:
> Assigning a dedicated team of researchers, writers, linguists, and subject matter experts with a deep understanding of Muslim history and culture.
> Arming the team with an in-depth understanding of the client’s needs, the special nature of this project, and the importance of the cultural dimension.
> Skillful utilization of connections and resources, and its access to traditional encyclopedias, libraries, original and/or copies of resource material, and references in Arabic to research and develop a deeper understanding of the specifics of this project (at a time when online resources were sparse).
> Ensuring accuracy and cultural relevance by developing a strategic verification and review plan, cross-checking with Arabic language references, and editing processes.
> Ensuring consistency by building a customized glossary.
> Creating a plan for effective and constant communications with MTE’s team.
> Ensuring high levels of service, responsiveness & adherence to tight deadlines.
> Offering informed and verified cultural content consultation and recommendations to further enrich the content & add important information.
The Results:
MTE received work which exceeded their expectations, with strong, knowledge-rich Arabic content that matched the high levels of the English content. The Arabic dimension captured the essence of MTE’s project in portraying Ibn Battuta’s journey and the achievements of Muslim scientists, and in creating a meaningful and immersive experience for Arabic-speaking audiences. The success of this exhibition paved the way for MTE to create the KAUST Museum of Science and Technology in Islam, and the Sultans of Science traveling exhibition (both times MTE partnered with Tabeer), with the latter garnering international recognition and continuing to tour globally.
An accomplished marketing and communications professional with 11 years of experience. As a business development and success manager, Farah brings strategic insights to businesses across various verticals to help drive growth and achieve numeric goals. Farah also brings her creative expertise to our cultural team, contributing to innovative client communication strategies. Farah is also a published author with two published novels in Arabic. 
A seasoned English -Arabic translator with over 26 years of experience. Nizar has translated major articles on business, science, politics, and administration for renowned some of our most clients. Nizar has extensive experience translating commercial brochures and technical catalogs. Nizar holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Damascus University.
Ali has always been drawn to the power of words. Whether they’re on the screen or the printed page, he believes words connect people and spark meaningful, progressive change. His creative and professional work aims at sharing perspectives and knowledge to bridge divides and tackle the challenges we face as a species. His creative work and essays draw from his passion for film, cultural identity, philosophy and social and political justice.
As translator and editor, Fawaz Jarrah draws on a wealth of experience in writing in both English and Arabic languages for international and GCC media organisations for the past 30 years. His work includes translation of news articles and analyses, features on the economy, technology, culture and philanthropy, high-profile interviews, press releases, and books. His skills cover copywriting and content development. Fawaz holds a bachelor’s degree from the Lebanese American University.
Fadwa is also a bilingual author with ten books bearing her name. She was part of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in 2014 and 2015. Her short stories and translations have appeared in numerous literary publications in the Middle East, UK, and USA. Her work has been translated into French and Italian.
Media expert, researcher, columnist, and journalist with over 20 years of experience in editing, media, and training. He is a regular contributor to leading newspapers in the region with his research and articles on Middle Eastern political, cultural, and current affairs. 
With 17 years of editing and writing experience, Hani is a published author in his own right, and a regular writer for various highly respected magazines, ezines, and websites. Hani’s experience includes guest and ghost-writing for life coaching blogs and articles. 
Suzanne Kazan is a multilingual professional with 15 years of translation experience under her belt. She undertakes language consultancy for international NGOs specializing in legal and human rights matters. She also specializes in Arabic copywriting for some of our renowned brands in the marketing industry within the Middle East.
Founder and CEO of AK Venture Investment, Dubai. Aymen is an investor, entrepreneur, and professor of management and innovation. He holds several positions in both the public and private sectors in the UAE, including Executive Head of Institutional Advancement at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. 
Founder & CEO of the Carbon Management Company ImpactGulf, Abu Dhabi. Climate advocate and entrepreneur with a passion for greentech and innovative and purpose-driven ventures; winner of several innovation awards; Novelist. Over 25 years of experience in business administration, business development, strategic marketing and in startups, innovation & technology consulting.