Page 13 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

These efforts align with the UAE’s vision of positioning reading as a catalyst for progress and
sustainable development. H.E. emphasized that such initiatives reflect of the wise leadership's
steadfast belief that reading is the cornerstone of knowledge acquisition and scientific
advancement, as well as a key driver of the nation’s competitiveness and productivity.

His Excellency added that MOC firmly believes that fostering a culture of reading is a shared
responsibility, requiring active support and participation from all sectors of society. Encouraging
reading as a daily habit is not only an individual endeavour but also a collective duty of
institutions and communities. Through this initiative, the Ministry aims to cultivate role models
who lead by example, celebrate the ongoing efforts of influential figures dedicated to promoting
reading, and showcase the ambassadors’ success stories and best practices in integrating reading
everyday life.

The ministry, in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and the
Federal Youth Authority, will provide full support to the Reading Ambassadors and highlight
their efforts across various media channels. In addition, the ministry will designate creative areas
within its Cultural Centres and libraries, offering ambassadors a platform to present their projects
and share their experiences in fostering a culture of reading. An annual forum will also be held at
the end of each year to showcase the achievements of the Reading Ambassadors.

Reading Ambassadors

The inaugural edition of the initiative features distinguished figures in the Writers and Pioneers
category, including Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of
the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational
Institutions, Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, writer, poet, Executive Director of the Poetry and Heritage
Department at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Emirates Writers Union, Asma Seddiq Al Mutawaa, Founder and Chair of Al
Multaqa Literary Salon, Dr. Aisha Belkhair, Research Advisor at the National Library and
Archives, Fahad Al Memari, writer, researcher, and Chairman of the Board of the Emirates
Library and Information Association, Maitha Al Khayat, an internationally acclaimed author,
illustrator, and trainer in children’s and young adult literature, and Mohammed Al Hebsi, writer,
novelist, Director of the Literature Department at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

The volunteer category includes Hashem Al Wali, a trainer, writer, and social content creator, and
Fatima Al Hammadi, a certified trainer and head of the volunteer team “Al Dhafra Testahel.”

In the youth category, the initiative includes Mrs. Shareena Al Suwaidi, member of the Abu
Dhabi Youth Council; Mr. Hazza Al Shehhi, member of Ras Al Khaimah Youth Council; Mr.