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4/2/25, 11:36 AM Ministry of Culture launches ‘Reading Ambassadors Initiative’ - Aletihad News Center
An annual forum will also be held at the end of each year to showcase the achievements of the 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 Shareena Al Suwaidi, member of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council; Hazza Al
Shehhi, member of Ras Al Khaimah Youth Council; Ahmed Matar, member of Dubai Youth Council; Yaqoub Al
Baloushi, member of Sharjah Youth Council; Mohammed Ali Al Ali, member of Umm Al Qaiwain Youth Council; Nasser
Khalid Al Harmoudi, member of Ajman Youth Council; and 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,
emphasising 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, emphasised 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.
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