UAE Reading Month: Abu Dhabi to organize 100 literary events in March – News

MAKTABA will hold various events to promote reading as a way of life and enrichment of knowledge in various communities

Abu Dhabi is organizing more than 100 literary events this month to mark UAE Reading Month, which takes place every March.

Department of Libraries, Ministry of Culture and Tourism – “MAKTABA”, the cultural arm of DCT Abu Dhabi, will organize these events to promote reading as a way of life and a way of enriching knowledge in various communities in Abu Dhabi.

MAKTABA will host events, interactive workshops, educational programs, workshops, reading workshops and competitions for children, students, teens, academics, seniors and people of determination. This year, in celebration of Reading Month, MAKTABA will be launching the “Let’s Read Together” programme, through which books of all genres, suitable for all ages, will be made available for public reading and discussion in book clubs and other events hosted by MAKTABA.

Shaikha Al Muhairi, Director of Library Management, Culture Sector, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “UAE Month of Reading is an annual event that reflects the leadership’s vision to foster educated people who can drive the social, scientific and cultural development of tomorrow. A generation. This month is a great opportunity for us to work closely with our strategic partners in government and the private sector to deliver cultural programs that cater to all social groups.”

Participants will enjoy activities such as storytelling in Arabic and English, poetry readings, meetings with authors, and creative reading workshops. MAKTABA will also organize Adult Literacy Week to promote reading among employees of institutions and companies.

Taking place at DCT Abu Dhabi’s branch library, MAKTABA’s program will cover literary, cultural, scientific and educational topics. For example, a “Know the Author” workshop will allow participants to better understand the rationale behind the ideas an author presents in his book. In addition, aspiring writers will have the opportunity to hone their writing skills through ‘Creative Writing’ workshops, while ‘Arts and Crafts’ workshops will introduce participants to Emirati crafts, arts and heritage.

Today’s children are our creators of tomorrow. Therefore, MAKTABA is designing special programs for them to encourage children to read and train their imagination. MAKTABA will also organize cultural performances on Abu Dhabi’s cultural and historical heritage to enhance children’s sense of national identity and pride in the Arabic language.

The program will also include awareness workshops for teachers to help them manage the learning difficulties students face. MAKTABA will run from the last week of the reading month until the third week of Ramadan, with lectures, workshops, conversations and literary evenings tailored for adults and parents.

Writers such as Mona Al-Nawfali, Maryam Al Ketbi and Amer Al Mahri and poets such as Najat Al Dhaheri and Afra Atiq will take part in these events. Director Khadijah Kudsi and journalist and media trainer Samia Ghobash will also participate in these sessions.