Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The UAE’s Reading Month may be drawing to a close, but the connection people have built — and the doors opened by the limitless world of literature — remains, prominent Emirati personalities and authors told Aletihad. Reading, when nurtured, becomes a way of life, they said.
The nationwide initiative highlights reading as a gateway to both knowledge and creativity, with the 2026 theme “UAE Reads” reflecting a shared ambition to make learning a natural part of everyday life and a driver of the country’s future.
Such initiatives can revive a meaningful relationship with books, particularly when supported by encouragement and simple forms of motivation, said Nujoom Alghanem, an Emirati visual artist, poet, and multi-award-winning film director: “Reading Month serves as a significant incentive to return to books, especially when combined with encouragement and motivation, even if these rewards are simple or tangible.”
The goal, she added, is not about increasing the number of books read but building a lasting habit, where reading evolves “from a school assignment into a natural practice and an integral part of lifestyle”.
Writer and literary figure Fatima Al Mazrouei emphasised that by instilling a culture of reading in society, the country builds a thoughtful and creative generation.
“Dedicating a month to reading in the UAE is not just a fleeting cultural event; it is a national project that reflects the country's belief in the power of knowledge. By committing to reading, every individual can contribute to achieving this vision,” said Al Mazrouei, who is also the Head of the Historical Archives Section at the National Library and Archives.
Through exhibitions, workshops, and shared reading spaces, individuals are encouraged to explore new realms of knowledge and strengthen their connection with books, she added.
Dr Talal Al Junaibi, an Emirati university professor, said the initiative serves as a reminder of reading’s central role in personal development, describing it as “the most important factor in developing oneself, one's understanding, and one's abilities”.
“Reading has a profound and expansive meaning. Without reading, we limit our own development. Reading is the weapon we need to move forward in life and develop ourselves successfully and effectively,” said Dr Al Junaibi, who is also an international expert in organisational behaviour and human resource management. He said a commitment to reading begins with encouragement.
Offering advice to those who wish to read more, he noted that one’s choice of books can make all the difference—align them with personal interests and meaningful goals, then cultivate patience and reflection along the way.
“Even good habits like reading require training and self-motivation,” Dr Al Junaibi said.
Emirati novelist and visual artist Mariam Masood Al Shehhi said success begins with small, consistent steps, as reading gradually grows into a lifelong source of knowledge and wisdom.
“Reading is the cornerstone of success. Start with a few lines and end with volumes,” she said.
Al Shehhi emphasised that reading refines both mind and spirit, shaping individuals into more conscious and thoughtful members of society.
“Development cannot be achieved without reading. Every success begins with a line, a question, or a piece of knowledge,” she said.
