The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has introduced the 'Reading in Public' initiative, aiming to encourage and facilitate the reading of Arabic language materials in key establishments throughout Abu Dhabi, to promote cultural awareness and support learning across diverse community segments. Administered by the Centre as part of its Kalima Reading Club, the initiative aims to promote reading in venues such as hotels, cafes, hospitals, and other essential facilities. It involves distributing free publications and printed editions of various works from ALC's Kalima and Esdarat projects at eight locations in Abu Dhabi. The initiative was officially launched during a partnership signing event between the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, which serves as the inaugural site for the initiative. The 'Reading in Public' project is set to expand to seven additional locations in 2024, providing individuals with the opportunity to utilize their free time for knowledge expansion and cultural engagement.
The agreement, formalized by HE Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, the Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, and Michael Koth, General Manager and area Vice President of Operations at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, signifies a collaborative initiative to foster a reading culture in Abu Dhabi. This involves the identification and establishment of public-friendly locations for reading. Furthermore, the agreement entails a partnership for the creation of new Arabic-language content through the translation of publications from different languages into Arabic.
HE Al Tunaiji expressed, "Fostering a reading culture across all community sectors is a significant strategic objective for us at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre. We are dedicated to aligning with the visionary leadership's perspective on the pivotal role of science and knowledge as fundamental elements in our society's advancement. Through cultivating a widespread practice of reading, we aim to contribute to comprehensive development and sustainable education. Additionally, we seek to promote creative and critical thinking, fostering the creation of an intelligent and cultured society that actively shapes the future".
