Page 80 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

3/17/25, 10:15 AM Several activities declared to promote reading habits
Culture, Dr. Amal Al Qahtani, Director of School Development and Support Department at the Ministry
of Education, Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of Sharjah Book Authority, Asmaa Al Mutawat,
Founder and President of Salon Al-Multaqa, and Shaikha Al-Mutairi, Secretary General of the
Emirates Writers Union.

The programmes will feature diverse array of cultural and knowledge-based activities organised by
various ministries, local entities, and public interest associations. Their primary objective is to
cultivate reading habits by emphasising the role of reading in driving sustainable development and
enhancing cultural awareness.

Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said: “The UAE Reading Month initiative
reflects the nation’s long-standing vision to create a highly educated, well-informed society and drive
sustainable development. It also signifies the country’s commitment to enhancing cultural awareness
among its people. The activities organised as part of Reading Month initiative highlight the Ministry’s
ongoing efforts to position reading as a pivotal instrument for culture and knowledge development. It

further aligns with the ambitious ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ plan, which aims to elevate the UAE’s
position as a global hub for innovation and culture by leveraging reading as a key enabler of this
vision.”

He further stated: “Reading Month is a significant intellectual and cultural milestone, and serves as a
far-reaching strategic initiative aimed at raising awareness of the role of reading in personal growth
and community development. Moreover, by promoting a culture of reading among diverse age
groups, the nation is advancing its efforts to nurture a capable generation equipped to tackle future
challenges, paving the way for a sustainable knowledge-based economy.”

Every year, the month of March is marked as the reading month epitomising the UAE’s commitment
to nurturing a culture of knowledge and learning.

This initiative underscores the UAE’s and its leadership’s dedication to providing an enriching
environment and robust infrastructure for developing a knowledge ecosystem, showcasing the
Ministry’s steadfast support for cultivating a passion for reading among all community members.

Last year, the Reading Month initiatives were announced in February, during a press conference held
at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah.

Shatha Al Mulla remarked, “The United Arab Emirates and its visionary leadership have prioritised
human development, launching a number of ambitious initiatives and strategies to enhance
individuals’ capacities to make a meaningful contribution to society. These efforts focus on nurturing
individuals’ thinking, and knowledge, and enriching them with additional experiences and insights to
empower them to actively serve their nation and community in the future. Among these initiatives, the
National Reading Month stands out as an ideal opportunity to promote a culture of reading, fostering
reading as a genuine daily habit among all members of society.”

She continued, “The Ministry, in partnership with various cultural institutions and stakeholders, is
dedicated to realising the nation’s vision by harnessing the potential of this initiative to instill a culture

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