Dubai’s 9th Reading Box Explores Beauty of Storytelling

The event aims to expand the intellectual horizons of children and adults, encouraging them to read and explore the world of books. WAM
The event aims to expand the intellectual horizons of children and adults, encouraging them to read and explore the world of books. WAM
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Dubai’s 9th Reading Box Explores Beauty of Storytelling

The event aims to expand the intellectual horizons of children and adults, encouraging them to read and explore the world of books. WAM
The event aims to expand the intellectual horizons of children and adults, encouraging them to read and explore the world of books. WAM

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has revealed the details of the ninth Reading Box, which will be held from October 9 to 18 at City Centre Mirdif. The event aims to expand the intellectual horizons of children and adults, encouraging them to read and explore the world of books, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Saturday.

This is part of Dubai Culture's commitment to supporting the National Literacy Strategy 2016–2026, which aims to embed cultural values within society and make reading a daily habit, it said.

The initiative, which falls under the umbrella of the School of Life initiative, features 55 inspiring sessions, poetry evenings and creative workshops. These activities will offer visitors the opportunity to enrich their knowledge, develop skills in storytelling, literary writing, and Arabic calligraphy, and engage in conversations with a select group of writers, intellectuals, poets, and heritage experts from the UAE and abroad.

Eiman Al Hammadi, Manager of Libraries Affairs Section at Dubai Culture, affirmed the importance of the initiative and its role in creating new avenues for knowledge enhancement among the community.

“Reading Box is an innovative and vital platform that spreads the culture of reading, encouraging individuals to access various knowledge sources, and enabling them to develop leadership and creative thinking skills through a rich program of sessions that highlight the vibrancy of Dubai's literary scene and its significant cultural momentum,” said Al Hammadi.



'Riyadh Reads French' Initiative Brings French Culture to Riyadh International Book Fair

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 logo
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 logo
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'Riyadh Reads French' Initiative Brings French Culture to Riyadh International Book Fair

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 logo
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 logo

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 featured the return of the "Riyadh Reads French" initiative, which was introduced the previous year and gathered numerous French publishers specializing in various fields.

The initiative garnered significant attention and attracted a large number of visitors to the fair.

The French Embassy’s communication officer in Saudi Arabia, Alsaeed Ezz, elaborated that this year's edition aimed to enhance the experience and expand activities, with a particular focus on children. The initiative included over 25,000 books in its pavilions, with 118 French publishing houses participating. Additionally, the Alliance Francaise in Riyadh offered free French language courses to fair visitors, aiming to bring the French language and culture closer to Saudis and all fair attendees.

Ezz highlighted that the Alliance Francaise had dedicated a fully integrated section for children to cater to their needs and knowledge aspirations, with specialized supervisors offering activities such as drawing, reading, and expression to familiarize the younger generation with the French culture.

The initiative also involved Campus France, a national office facilitating registration procedures for studying in French universities and educational institutions. Campus France collaborated with relevant Saudi authorities to introduce available scholarship programs for studying in both English and French, as well as the requirements for obtaining bachelor's and master's degrees and conducting research in various fields.

This year's Riyadh International Book Fair saw a participation from over 2,000 publishing houses and agencies from the Kingdom, the region, and around the world, occupying 800 pavilions representing over 30 countries.