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4/21/25, 10:31 AM MBRF organizes ‘Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025’ in partnership with Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center - Middle East News 247
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.

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