As part of the National Reading Month and in line with its vision to establish libraries within hospital wards, the Emirates Health Services (EHS), represented by Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital, is collaborating with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and its ‘A World Reads’ initiative to enrich its libraries with over 5,000 books in both Arabic and English across various fields and specialties.

This initiative reflects EHS’ commitment to enhancing cultural and knowledge awareness within its facilities and aligns with the broader goals of the initiative to promote a culture of reading and expanding knowledge among different segments of society, including patients.

Emirates Health Services received more than 5,000 books from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, including educational and developmental publications in both Arabic and English, during a special event held at Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital. The event was attended by Dr. Noor Almheiri, Director of the Mental Health Department at EHS; Dr. Ammar Albanna, Director of Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital; Ali Juma Al Tamimi, Director of the Libraries Department at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL); along with several representatives from MBRL.

Dr. Noor Almheiri affirmed that EHS’s participation in the ‘A World Reads’ initiative reflects its deep belief in the vital role of culture and knowledge in enhancing quality of life. She added that enriching EHS hospitals with books will support patients’ mental health, offering them a window to the outside world and an opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop new skills, ultimately strengthening their therapeutic and rehabilitation journeys.

Ali Juma Al Tamimi stated: “At the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, we are committed to fostering a culture of reading and knowledge across all segments of society, particularly among youth, as they represent the foundation of societal development and the advancement of intellectual capabilities. This commitment stems from our belief that reading is a powerful tool for refining minds, sparking creativity, and nurturing a sense of belonging and national responsibility.”

He added: “Our various initiatives, including ‘A World Reads,’ reflect our vision to make diverse sources of knowledge accessible to all, enriching minds and broadening perspectives. This aligns with our support for national efforts such as the Reading Month and the National Literacy Strategy, which aims to raise the reading rate to 80% among students and 50% among adults.”

The initiative includes distributing books across several EHS facilities and establishing dedicated libraries within hospital wards. This will enrich both educational and therapeutic programs, providing patients and their companions with access to books as a valuable source of knowledge and psychological support.

The ‘A World Reads’ initiative aims to foster a culture of reading by providing individuals with access to diverse knowledge resources, thereby supporting lifelong learning and societal development.

Emirates Health Services’ participation reflects its strategic commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnerships with various entities in support of national knowledge and cultural initiatives. It also aligns with the objectives of The National Reading Month, UAE Reads 2025, and the UAE Centennial 2071 vision, which aspires to build an advanced, knowledge-driven society.