In line with the UAE Month of Reading 2023, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has announced the organisation of a series of educational activities and reading sessions in all Dubai Public Library branches as part of the National Literacy Strategy 2016-2026 that aims to promote cultural values in society, support arts and literature, in addition to contributing to spreading awareness of the importance of reading and its impact on society.

Throughout March, Dubai public libraries will witness the presentation of a group of workshops, lectures and reading sessions with the participation of authors and poets to open broad horizons for the public and encourage them to engage in the cultural and literary fields, aligning with the Authority’s commitments to building educated generations capable of contributing to the country’s development.

Eiman Al Hammadi, Acting Manager of Libraries Affairs Section at Dubai Culture, affirmed that the Month of Reading has helped celebrate books to motivate the local community to take an interest in knowledge and reading as a way to achieve the country’s aspirations and future visions, saying: “This season represents an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between community members and reading and turn it into a way of life. At Dubai Culture, we have designed a series of activities in an innovative manner aimed at meeting the needs of individuals and enhance the values of knowledge and creativity in the local community.”

Al Hammadi added: “During March, visitors to Dubai public libraries can enjoy a range of distinguished events and workshops that aim to make reading a daily habit, and contribute to consolidating a culture of analysis and constructive criticism, and understanding the changes of the times.”

The activities will be held in all Dubai Public Library branches, namely Al Safa Art and Design, Umm Suqeim, Al Twar, Al Mankhool, Al Rashidiya, Hor Al Anz, and Hatta Public. As a continuation of the ‘Libraries Talk’ series, Dubai Culture is organising a series of reading and critical sessions, with the participation of a group of Emirati female writers. On 2 March, Al Safa Art & Design Library will host the Lesath session with the participation of author Asma Mohammed Kherbash. On 14 March, Al Mankhool Library shall put on ‘We’re All Storytellers’ with Purva Grover, who will also deliver a session entitled ‘Writing to Heal’ on 16 March at Al Twar Library.

As part of its social corporate responsibility, Dubai Culture is organising the Discounted Book Fair at Al Safa Art & Design Library from 8 to 15 March, selling books at nominal prices ranging from AED 3, 5 and 10. The fair is under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, with the participation of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah libraries. Dubai Public Libraries will allocate the proceeds of the exhibition to one of the charitable entities in the country, as a community contribution.

Dubai Public Libraries will also host workshops, competitions, traditional games, and Emirati dishes on 7 March to celebrate Haq Al Leila, with the aim of introducing future generations to the importance of this night and its place in the local heritage.