Hi Gooner
The only device that really tries for a monopoly is Amazon. Generally all other devices read epub format, although B&N has its own version somehow. I'm not sure of the detail as I've never looked at it myself. However... from what I've read here I believe that in Europe (ex-UK), epub is the most common format by a long way. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. So any device *other* than the Kindles should be fine. Even the Nook is ok, since the unusual DRM is on the books rather than the device, as I understand it. However the Nook doesn't seem too popular outside of the US.
Sonys, Kobos and Pocketbooks all read epub. I don't know about multi-language support, although I guess I would be surprised if the Kobos at least didn't support French, since they are a Canadian brand. Also if you are purchasing in Montreal I imagine only ones that have French language support would even be available.
There is a French language forum here - I'm certain they will have more definitive answers. There have been occasional threads here about Arabic language support - maybe do a search?
There are other devices I haven't mentioned, mainly because I don't know which are e-ink or not. There is a wiki here that has a matrix - I think it might be linked in the sticky? Well worth looking at that for a comparison of devices.
When I was looking, I found it very worthwhile having a look through the forums of individual devices - this gave me a good idea of what sort of problems were being encountered and what the devices were like.
btw, "out of date" means different things to different people. It's fairly certain that within a year of your purchase there will be a newer model available. However that doesn't mean you can't continue to use your one. There are plenty of people still using Sony 505s and original Kindles - you only have to look at the respective forums to see that.