Page 14 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

Ahmed Matar, member of Dubai Youth Council; Mr. Yaqoub Al Baloushi, member of Sharjah
Youth Council; Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Ali, member of Umm Al Quwain Youth Council; Mr.
Nasser Khalid Al Harmoudi, member of Ajman Youth Council; and Mr. Mohammed Abdulla Al
Abdouli, member of Fujairah Youth Council. Additionally, this category features Amna Al
Mansouri, a school student and the champion of the UAE Arab Reading Challenge of 2023, and
Ahmed Faisal Ali, the champion of the UAE Arab Reading Challenge of 2024.

The children’s category features several members of the Emirati Children’s Parliament, including
Shaikha Rowdah bint Nehayan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Diab bin Saif Al
Nahyan, Shaikha Shamsa bint Faisal Almualla, Khaled bin Hussain Alhammadi, Salem bin
Mohammed Binham Alameri, Nouf Yasser Mohammed, Matra Ibrahim, and Fatima Al Kaabi.

In her remarks, Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan expressed her
delight in being part of the initiative and reflected on how her early love of reading was inspired
by her late father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan. She highlighted the profound
impact of critical and interactive reading on creativity and thought development, emphasizing the
importance of fostering reading as a natural and integral part of society. She also praised the
efforts of the Ministry of Culture in advancing the wise leadership’s vision by strengthening the
cultural and intellectual foundations of future generations.

Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, a writer and poet, emphasized that reading is no longer merely a
recreational activity or hobby but a key fundamental pillar in shaping knowledgeable individuals
who appreciate the value of science and culture, particularly in an era of rapid change and
expanding knowledge. He added, “Reading has undoubtedly become one of the most vital forces
shaping awareness and understanding. In essence, it is how we attain full comprehension and the
foundation for staying informed about modern advancements, ultimately paving the way for a
more prosperous future.

The Reading Ambassadors initiative reaffirms MOC’s commitment to establishing reading as a
sustainable societal habit by empowering influential figures to share knowledge and spark
interest in reading across different groups of society. With the launch of its first edition, the
initiative advances its vision of cultivating a knowledge-enriched community, supporting cultural
and intellectual development, and strengthening the UAE’s position as a hub for creativity and
innovation.

-Ends-