The initiative was launched as part of the activities to mark National Reading Month 2023

 The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), launched an initiative to set up a ‘Reading Corner’ at various cultural institutions across the UAE capital.

The initiative was launched to mark National Reading Month and aims to promote a culture of reading among members of the community, as well as to make sources of knowledge available in public places.

The ‘Reading Corner’ is one of the initiatives of the Kalima Reading Club, which was launched by the Kalima Project for Translation in 2018 to encourage reading and promote it as a daily habit and a lifestyle. The Club also seeks to support reading in Arabic through events and projects dedicated to that goal.

There are currently ‘Reading Corners’ at the Cultural Foundation, Qasr Al Watan Library and Manarat Al Saadiyat, providing more than 50 different titles across various disciplines, published by the ALC, including publications under the Kalima Project for Translation and the Esdarat Project.

HE Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, said: “Establishing a culture of reading in the community is among our top strategic goals at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre. Reading is the gateway to an educated generation, open to acquiring knowledge. By creating a ‘Knowledge/Reading Corner’ in major cultural institutions across Abu Dhabi, reflects our commitment to making books accessible to all segments of the community, enabling them to explore the wealth of knowledge and treasures we have, which we are keen to disseminate at cultural and tourist destinations across the capital. This, in turn, offers visitors unique experiences and an important dose of knowledge at sites of great cultural significance.”

The Kalima Reading Club seeks to shed light on the latest publications of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and organises ongoing cultural sessions to discuss books issued by the Kalima Project for Translation and the Esdarat project, hosting them at local, Arab, and international book fairs, or in collaboration with government and academic institutions. The Club also organises cultural events, book signings, and panel discussions.

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About Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, established following a directive from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, late President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, works to support Arabic language development and modernisation through comprehensive strategies and frameworks, enrich the scientific, educational, cultural and creative contributions of the Arabic language, promote Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding, and support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, arts, content creation and organisation of book fairs. The Centre works to realise its foundational vision through dedicated programmes, human expertise, and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture, tourism and creative sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.