Education

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the details of the ninth edition of its popular Reading Box initiative, set to take place from 9 to 18 October at City Centre Mirdif. This event, aimed at expanding the intellectual horizons of both children and adults, aligns with Dubai Culture’s commitment to the National Literacy Strategy 2016–2026, which strives to foster a reading culture and embed literary values in everyday life.

Part of Dubai Culture’s larger School of Life initiative, this year’s Reading Box will feature 55 sessions, including poetry evenings, storytelling workshops, and activities designed to inspire creative thinking. Attendees will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, improve storytelling and literary writing skills, and engage in interactive sessions with renowned writers, intellectuals, poets, and heritage experts from both the UAE and around the world.

An Innovative Platform for Knowledge Enhancement

Eiman Al Hammadi, Manager of Libraries Affairs Section at Dubai Culture, emphasized the cultural importance of the Reading Box initiative: "This platform encourages individuals to explore a wide range of knowledge resources, helping them develop leadership and creative thinking skills. The program highlights Dubai’s dynamic literary scene, which contributes to the emirate’s reputation as a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent."

The event will offer a diverse array of workshops and discussions that explore the beauty of storytelling, the aesthetics of narrative, and the power of poetry. These sessions not only enrich participants' skills but also contribute to creating a literate, knowledgeable, and engaged community.

Notable Sessions and Workshops

One of the standout sessions includes "What is Home?" by Emirati author Sara Galadari, which invites children aged 6 to 9 on a heartwarming adventure filled with friendship and the discovery of what it means to belong. Other interactive workshops include Afreen Nizam’s 3D Paper Craft Activity, where children aged 7 to 12 will design magical objects and characters inspired by beloved tales like Aladdin.

In the Arabic Calligraphy on Book Covers workshop, youth and adults will learn to fuse traditional Arabic calligraphy with modern book design, under the guidance of expert Hazem Kurdali. The event also caters to younger children with sessions such as A Dragon Called Blue, by Emirati author Ebtisam Al Beiti, aimed at kids aged 3 to 6, and Aisha’s Cake, where Maitha Al Khayat will guide children aged 6 to 8 through an engaging, interactive storytelling experience.

The event also offers opportunities for adults and parents to develop healthier lifestyles with sessions like Let Us Grow Healthy, where nutrition coach and personal trainer Nouf Al Watban will guide participants on the importance of healthy eating habits for expectant parents and children.

Encouraging Literary and Creative Growth

The ninth edition of Reading Box promises to foster a greater appreciation for literature, poetry, and creativity, while providing a platform for participants to engage with some of the UAE’s leading voices in literature, nutrition, and art.

The event is set to be a key highlight in Dubai's cultural calendar, contributing to the emirate's drive to cultivate educated generations capable of meeting future challenges and supporting sustainable development.

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