Page 47 - MBRF PR REPORT - APRIL 2025

4/21/25, 10:31 AM Latest News
knowledge ecosystem while providing a supportive environment for sharing ideas and visions. This is
essential for creating an interactive, knowledge-based community.

The forum also promotes analytical and creative discussions of contemporary works to enrich the literary
landscape, while establishing sustainable communication networks that enhance collaboration and the

sharing of experiences among literature enthusiasts across the Arab World.
Organized annually by ALC, the seventh edition of the forum facilitated the analysis and discussion of the six

novels nominated for IPAF 2025. The shortlisted novels are: ‘Danishmand’ by Ahmed Fal Al Din from
Mauritania, ‘Valley of Butterflies’ by Azhar Jargis from Iraq, ‘The Andalusian Christ’ by Taysir Khalaf from

Syria, ‘The Women's Pact’ by Haneen Al-Sayegh from Lebanon, ‘Prayer of Anxiety’ by Mohamed Samir Nada
from Egypt, and ‘The Texture of Light’ by Nadia Al-Najjar from the UAE. As part of this, interactive discussions
were held with the participation of heads and members of several local and Arab reading clubs.

During the event, H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb remarked: “The Arab Reading Clubs Forum is an integral part of
MBRF’s strategic vision designed to achieve our developmental and knowledge-based objectives. By forging

a strategic alliance with ALC, we hope to create an inspiring reading environment, develop the analytical
skills of Arab readers, and broaden the dialogue on contemporary Arabic literature, particularly the novels
nominated for IPAF, due to their significant intellectual value and representation of the current literary scene.”

His Excellency further stated: “Through the ‘Knowledge Lounge’ initiative, which has now surpassed a
decade of activities, we have strived to promote reading as a central focus of our efforts. Since its inception,

we have been steadfast in our commitment to expanding our impact both within and outside the UAE by
launching impactful reading clubs. Presently, the reach of the ‘Knowledge Lounge’ extends across the UAE,

Jordan, and Australia, as well as to a wide network of Arab readers around the world. Furthermore, the
lounge groups cumulatively read over 180 books each year, with more than 200 knowledge sessions held

annually, making it one of the region’s most prominent sustainable reading initiatives.”
H.E. Bin Huwaireb concluded by noting that the initiative is not restricted to recreational or general reading.
Instead, it seeks to cultivate a knowledge-based and critical approach that enriches the reader while fostering

reflection, questioning, and contemplation. It also aims to transform the reader from a passive recipient to an
active contributor in the creation of meaning, which is one of the key goals of ‘Knowledge Lounge’ and its

various clubs.
H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim said: "We are delighted to partner with MBRF in organizing the ‘Arab Reading Clubs

Forum 2025.’ It is commendable that the latest edition of the forum is dedicated to discussing the shortlisted
novels of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, of which we are a proud sponsor. This remarkable

accolade aims to recognize promising talents in the contemporary Arabic literary landscape, enhancing their
visibility and readership.”
His Excellency further stated: “The inspiring vision of the UAE’s wise leadership has successfully positioned

Arabic reading as a key priority in our society. Reading is now being embraced as an integral facet of day-to-
day life, especially among the youth and future generations.”

H.E. Bin Tamim also noted that reading clubs and literary salons have long been a part of the nation’s cultural

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