Page 42 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

4/2/25, 11:39 AM Latest News
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.
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.

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