Page 53 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

4/2/25, 11:41 AM Ministry of Culture launches 'Reading Ambassadors Initiative'
He 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.

The inaugural edition of the initiative features distinguished figures in the Writers and Pioneers category, including Shamma bint Mohammed bin
Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, 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,
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 Rowdah bint Nehayan bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Nahyan bin Diab bin Saif Al Nahyan, 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, 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, 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.

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. (ANI/WAM)

TAGS Abu Dhabi UAE National Reading Month 2025

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