Uptake of L-arabinose across the cytoplasmic membrane with the concomitant transport of protons into the cell (symport system) (PubMed:9401028). In the presence of inducing amounts of L-arabinose, can import both D-galactose and D-xylose (PubMed:9620981). Can also transport the disaccharide alpha-1,5-arabinobiose (PubMed:20693325). H(+)(in) + L-arabinose(in) = H(+)(out) + L-arabinose(out) D-galactose(in) + H(+)(in) = D-galactose(out) + H(+)(out) D-xylose(in) + H(+)(in) = D-xylose(out) + H(+)(out) Transcription is repressed by the binding of AraR to the promoter. L-arabinose acts as an inducer by inhibiting the binding of AraR to the DNA, thus allowing expression of the gene. Deletion of the gene does not affect growth on glucose, but the mutant cannot grow in the presence of arabinose. Deletion has a negative effect on the ability of the mutant to grow on alpha-1,5-arabinobiose. AraE/araN double mutant is unable to grow in the presence of alpha-1,5-arabinobiose. Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Sugar transporter (TC 2.A.1.1) family.