In an inspiring development for literacy and cultural engagement, Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre announced that over 62,000 individuals have benefitted from its community initiative to support sustainable reading during the first half of 2026. This reflects an impressive uptake in the programme’s second cycle, showcasing its effectiveness in nurturing a reading culture and enhancing the presence of the Arabic language throughout the community.
A Lasting Commitment to Reading
Launched in conjunction with the “Year of the Family” in the UAE, the campaign aims to establish reading as a daily practice while solidifying Arabic’s status as a language of knowledge, culture, and creativity. The Centre employs a comprehensive approach that includes various partnerships, community programmes, and engaging workshops to broaden access to information and deepen the community’s connection to the Arabic language.
Growing Community Engagement
Saeed Hamdan Al Tenaiji, the Centre’s Executive Director, expressed, “The continual growth of the community initiative for supporting sustainable reading underscores the positive impact of reading in fostering family cohesion, strengthening community ties, and deepening the connection to the Arabic language as a vessel for identity, culture, and knowledge.” He further noted that reaching over 62,000 beneficiaries within the first half of the year marks a significant success in the campaign’s expansion and underscores its tangible effects.
Innovative Initiatives and Partnerships
The campaign has actively pursued innovative ways to make Arabic literature accessible, facilitating the distribution of over 1,000 Arabic books to vital facilities like the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. By expanding its network of partnerships with public and private entities, the initiative seeks to transform everyday spaces such as cafés, parks, hospitals, and hotels into stimulating environments for reading and knowledge acquisition.
Enhancing Educational Resources
Continuing with its efforts to enrich educational content, the initiative has implemented the ‘Treasures of Knowledge’ project, contributing 2,000 titles from its translation project, ‘Kalimah’, to the Emirates University Library. This expansion aims to further include academic institutions in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the availability of quality Arabic resources and fostering a vibrant environment for knowledge production and cultural creativity.
Fostering a New Generation of Readers
The development of young readers remains a top priority for the campaign. The ‘Kalimah Reading Club’ has successfully expanded during its second phase, targeting 40 schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Through interactive reading sessions, specialised educational activities, and the distribution of hundreds of books, the programme aims to enhance reading skills and promote a culture of literacy both at school and home.
Encouraging Community Participation
The Al Dhafra Book Festival has played a pivotal role in increasing youth engagement, hosting 58 school trips with the participation of 1,980 students, assisted by 26 volunteers. This engagement illustrates the success of the campaign in instilling a love for reading among younger generations while enhancing their interaction with the cultural landscape.
With continued support and innovative initiatives, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre remains committed to promoting reading and bolstering the Arabic language as a cornerstone of learning and culture within the UAE community.