“Reading is Healing" initiative captures the imagination of young minds

Amirah Al Marzouqi, an award winning Emirati author conducted a book reading session supporting the ‘UAE Reading Year’

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 30 November 2016:  Under the auspices of Dubai Health Authority, Government of Dubai and other partners, Medcare Women and Children Hospital hosted an interactive reading session led by Amirah Al Marzouqi, an award winning Emirati author. As part of the “Reading is Healing" initiative, the author captured the imagination of young children by sharing excerpts from her book ‘Waraaqt Al Hayat’. The session saw participation from children aged 5-12 years, accompanied by their parents.

The activity is in alignment with initiatives that support the directive of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, declaring 2016 as the ‘UAE Reading Year’. The idea is to create a generation of book lovers and consolidate UAE’s position as a global capital for culture and knowledge. Aimed at fostering good reading habits among children from an early age, a series of sessions have been planned in the coming months to continue efforts in the direction.

Commenting on the benefits of reading, Dr. Mohammad Wafeek Eid, Consultant Psychiatrist, Medcare said “Reading is not only known to improve overall knowledge, but also to enhance the quality of thinking and living. A study in 2006 demonstrated that half an hour of reading a day is better for reducing stress than music and other traditionally known relaxing activities. It is one of the healthiest activities that should be inculcated in children. Also, a recent brain study on the long term effects of reading reflected that reading somehow re-wires our brains and increases our ability to visualize and imagine new concepts.

“People who read can better comprehend other people's perspectives and respect opinions and views in comparison to their own. Therefore, they are naturally better team players than non-readers, and are calmer in their response to stressful triggers.” Dr. Mohammad added.