In a world where knowledge is increasingly valued, the initiative of “القراءة المجتمعية” stands out as a vibrant testament to the passion for knowledge and creativity. Launched by the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language as part of the 2025 “Year of Community,” this program aims to transform reading into an everyday habit for all members of society while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. By promoting reading not just as an intellectual exercise but as a gateway to empowerment and engagement, “القراءة المجتمعية” is cultivating a culture of continuous learning and participation among diverse communities.
Enhancing the Culture of Reading
According to Said Hamdan Al-Tunaji, the Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, “The community campaign to support sustainable reading has launched under the slogan ‘Knowledge Society, Society of Knowledge,’ in alignment with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community.” He elaborated that the initiative goes beyond simply distributing books; it encompasses a comprehensive vision aimed at equitable access to knowledge resources. Al-Tunaji emphasized, “The campaign is designed to serve all sectors of society, regardless of age, cultural, or social backgrounds, enabling everyone to access knowledge sources while promoting reading as an integral part of daily culture.”
He stated that individuals with disabilities are a cornerstone of this initiative, mentioning that the center has worked to facilitate processes and provide appropriate digital content tailored to their needs. “The campaign has kept in mind, as with all the center’s initiatives, that individuals with disabilities should have a significant role in active participation through quality activities that showcase their creativity and develop their capabilities, offering them sustainable learning and cultural engagement opportunities.”
Among the specialized programs for these individuals are knowledge and cultural workshops and competitions that boost self-confidence, alongside a digital library featuring over 400 audiobooks in literature, history, and science, designed with interactive and creative methods.
The Path to Excellence
Amar Youssef Al-Marzouqi believes that reading is the key to writing and excellence. He states, “Reading is the key to all doors of knowledge, and it is the first pillar of writing. Every writer was undoubtedly a reader first, and every reader is a leader of tomorrow.” Amar recently signed his novel “A Ball of Wool and a Ball of Leather” at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and participated in the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, highlighting his desire to inspire children and teenagers to develop their reading and writing talents.
Among the inspiring figures participating in the initiative is Maryam Youssef Al-Marzouqi, who expressed her love for the Arabic language, saying: “I love Arabic and want to be its ambassador. It is my favorite hobby; that’s why I like to participate in all related events, especially reading.” She recently participated in the “Friends of the Arabic Language” competition, which she won, and excelled in the “Arab Reading Challenge” by reading over 100 books, adding, “I am proud to have reached the finals at the national level and to have provided reading workshops for children in collaboration with various cultural organizations.”
Embracing the Spirit of Creativity
Meanwhile, Salma Izzat, a talented visual arts creator, expanded her creativity at the art corner of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to support new publications from her peers with disabilities. She emphasized that art and books complement each other, stating that cultural integration cannot be complete without everyone’s participation. Another participant, Shamma Youssef Al-Marzouqi, highlighted her commitment to her responsibility towards the Arabic language, expressing, “Our Arabic language is our pride and honor, and we are all ambassadors for it.” Shamma conducted a storytelling workshop for children at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair as part of the Dubai Club for People of Determination’s booth and was featured on Majid TV and Sama Dubai to present reading segments for children. She proudly shared, “I was thrilled to be chosen as the voice for the digital stories broadcast at Al-Bayan Newspaper’s booth, and I have won several reading and creative competitions, signing my storybooks at international Sharjah fairs. I hope to be an ambassador for children to foster a love for the language and reading.”