The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair serves as a platform for national institutions to showcase a variety of innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural and intellectual awareness within the community, coinciding with the “Year of Community”.
During its participation in the fair, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation highlights several of its activities and initiatives that promote a culture of community reading and strengthen the connection between different community segments and literature.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, the Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, stated in an interview that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has become one of the major international exhibitions, attracting significant attendance from various countries. He noted that the foundation’s pavilion will host over 100 diverse events throughout the fair.
Among the initiatives featured by the foundation at the fair are “Bilarabi,” “My Family Reads,” the “Dubai International Writing Program,” and “Knowledge Lounge,” in addition to numerous seminars, discussions, and book signings from participants in the Dubai International Writing Program.
He emphasized that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair represents a significant intellectual and cultural event, highlighting the importance of strong participation from all segments of society, especially the youth, as reading is a vital element for sustaining knowledge and enhancing cultural awareness.
The “Bilarabi” initiative, launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation in 2013, aims to promote the Arabic language, encouraging young generations to engage with their mother tongue online, and contribute to the increase of Arabic content on the internet and social media.
On the other hand, the “My Family Reads” initiative seeks to enhance cultural awareness and encourage reading among family members by enabling Emirati youth to explore global literature and knowledge, ultimately fostering creative minds capable of leading the future.
The “Dubai International Writing Program” aims to identify and nurture young talents in various fields of knowledge, from science and research to literature and poetry, assisting them in achieving global recognition.
Since its establishment in 2013, the program has been one of the prominent educational projects of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, creating a thriving environment for creativity and innovation that enriches the literary and intellectual landscape at local, regional, and global levels.
Throughout its journey, the program has organized numerous workshops and training sessions in writing, narration, translation, children’s literature, young adult fiction, and short stories. These workshops were initially held in the UAE and have expanded to include many Arab countries, aiming to attract promising young Arabic writers and empower them to play a significant role in the production and dissemination of knowledge in the Arab world. Many program participants have become prominent writers across various knowledge domains.
The “Knowledge Lounge” is another initiative designed to enhance quality reading, making it an integral part of individuals’ daily lives.
This initiative organizes interactive meetings and sessions that connect readers with authors, self-development trainers, and specialists to discuss and review books, creating a space for deep dialogue and the exchange of ideas. It also aims to develop participants’ analytical and critical reading skills and enhance their ability to manage intellectual discussions effectively.
“Knowledge Lounge” events extend across all Emirates and some Arab countries, fostering inspiring environments that stimulate intellectual interaction.