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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
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
fabric, highlighting the Al Multaqa Literary Salon, launched in 1999 as a notable example. His Excellency
stated that while these platforms differ in structure and management, they all contribute to the promotion of

reading in a positive and effective manner. Some are led by individuals within the community, while others
are managed by official and national entities.

Furthermore, His Excellency praised the outstanding efforts of the Kalima Reading Club, which represented
ALC in hosting this event. The club boasts an extensive legacy, especially regarding its Kalima Translation
Project, which has facilitated 1,300 translations in 10 categories across 27 languages to date.

H.E. Bin Tamim remarked: “The Kalima Reading Club was established in 2018 as a community-oriented

cultural initiative aimed at serving society and enhancing the use of the Arabic language. Today, the club
continues to grow in membership, further expanding to include the ‘Kalima School Club,’ ‘Kalima University
Club,’ ‘Kalima Employees Club,’ and many other reading groups.”

The forum, organized into three stages, featured critical discussions that explored the artistic and intellectual
aspects of the selected literary works, aligning with the forum’s goals of fostering a culture of collective

reading and developing literary analysis skills. It also provided a designated electronic platform for attendees
to vote for the most outstanding novel based on specific reading criteria.

The forum concluded with a set of recommendations emphasizing the importance of engaging readers in the
literary scene by introducing a parallel track to the judging panel’s evaluation, thereby providing institutional
visibility to the audience’s voice. The recommendations further included the announcement of reader surveys

and their selections, to be featured in IPAF publications or on its official website. Additionally, the
recommendations called for designing training programs aimed at enhancing critical reading among reading
club members and encouraged forging partnerships between publishing houses and these clubs to broaden

the dialogue on literary works. They also highlighted the promotion of a culture of documenting reading
experiences to enrich Arab literary memory with diverse and accessible content.

The Arabic Reading Clubs Forum represents the culmination of the distinguished knowledge partnership
agreement recently signed between MBRF and ALC, aimed at coordinating efforts to promote reading and

enhance knowledge-based activities in the Arab region.
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