Dubai Culture Powers Reading Month with Literary Experiences

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced a rich programme of workshops and storytelling sessions across Dubai Public Libraries for Reading Month 2025, held under the slogan 'UAE Reads.' This initiative supports the National Policy for Reading 2026, aiming to promote core values, nurture the literary and artistic landscape, and highlight the impact of the written word on individuals and communities.

Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, underscored Dubai Culture's dedication to fostering a thriving creative ecosystem and encouraging reading as a daily habit, saying, "Reading Month has become an annual literary and intellectual event, encapsulating cultural values and advancing knowledge across society. It also celebrates writers, intellectuals, and thought leaders through initiatives that nurture an enlightened generation, ready to drive the nation's development and future aspirations."

He added that Dubai Culture has curated a comprehensive calendar of events for the month, offering residents opportunities to explore diverse fields and access valuable books that enrich minds and expand knowledge.

Throughout Reading Month, which takes place from 20 February to 31 March, Dubai Public Libraries will host literary discussions and storytelling events featuring notable authors and speakers. A highlight of the programme is a session at Al Safa Art & Design Library, presented in collaboration with the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation. Renowned writer and researcher Abdul Ghaffar Hussain will present his book, 'Witness to the Era of Zayed,' shedding light on the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's formative years in Al Ain. Additionally, author Obeid Ibrahim Bu Melha will discuss his novel 'The Soldier's War' in a dedicated session at the same venue.

Further enriching the programme, journalist Ayesha Sultan will lead a 'Newspaper Article' workshop, focusing on journalistic writing techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the 'Burj Rashid' art exhibition for inspiration before submitting their articles for the Arab Youth Media Creativity Award.

As part of the 'Library Talks' series under the 'School of Life' programme, Al Safa Art & Design Library will also welcome filmmaker and creative director Mustafa Jawad to conduct 'Animation Essentials: From Concept to Creativity,' a workshop covering everything from idea development and scriptwriting to character design, animation techniques, and editing.         

Catering to younger audiences, Dubai Public Libraries has curated an engaging line-up of interactive classes. Highlights include 'The Pencil Who Found Himself,' led by Ayesha Almarzooqi at Al Twar Library, which features activities developed in collaboration with the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children. Library staff will also conduct a 'Theatre World' workshop, introducing children to theatre as a medium for cultural expression and intercultural dialogue.

At Al Rashidiya Library, young visitors can enjoy a reading of 'My Friend, the Lion' by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which highlights the importance of courage and resilience. Meanwhile, author Maitha AlKhayat and illustrator Hessa Almheiri will lead a workshop on 'The Pearl Diver's Necklace and the Cowrie Necklace,' offering insights into the creative process behind their award-winning book. The library in collaboration with Dubai Women's Association, will also host 'Mahra and the Pearls,' where participants will learn to design bracelets and accessories using pearls.

Al Mankhool Library will welcome author Ruba Younes for 'A Journey of a Book,' which will shed light on the steps involved in writing a book. Experts from 'Arabically' will present 'Arabic in Nature: Pomegranate,' exploring the linguistic and cultural significance of the fruit.  Meanwhile, Umm Suqeim Library will host three interactive storytelling sessions— 'A Long Eye,' 'The Turtle Looks for Its Mother,' —during which Eiman Sameer will engage children through environmental awareness activities.

Furthermore, the 'Read' Forum will be hosted at Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Islamic Institute and Sakina bint Al Hussein School by Al Mankhoul Library staff, featuring a series of workshops focused on the written word. A dedicated space will also showcase Dubai Public Libraries' diverse services and offerings.

Visitors to Al Safa Art & Design Library can join a reading of 'Memory for Sale' with author Sarah Abdullah in collaboration with Dubai Women's Association. Meanwhile, young guests at Hatta Library will celebrate Arabic language learning through the 'Letters Balloon' workshop. Children can embark on a journey to discover inspiring stories of remarkable figures from both local and global spheres during the 'International Faces' storytelling experience. Additionally, in partnership with the Kalimat Foundation, Dubai Public Libraries will host a special Braille reading session for People of Determination at Al Khawaneej Majles.

In a parallel initiative, Dubai Culture, in partnership with Dubai International Financial Centre, will launch a 'Used Book Sale' in conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day. The fair will provide visitors with access to an exceptional selection of books across various disciplines at prices ranging from AED 2 to AED 10, encouraging people to engage with literature and promote a culture of sustainable knowledge-sharing.