Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center Launches Community Campaign to Promote Sustainable Reading

Held under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, the initiative falls in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’. WAM
Held under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, the initiative falls in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’. WAM
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Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center Launches Community Campaign to Promote Sustainable Reading

Held under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, the initiative falls in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’. WAM
Held under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, the initiative falls in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’. WAM

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center (ALC) has launched the first phase of its community campaign to promote sustainable reading, covering the first half of 2025 at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, with prominent figures from the UAE’s culture, media, intellectual, and literary sectors in attendance.

Held under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, the initiative falls in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’, and serves to reinforce the Center’s commitment to enhancing the presence of the Arabic language and fostering a culture of reading in the community, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The campaign underscores the vital role of reading and its alignment with the principles of the ‘Year of Community’. It aims to unlock the potential and talents of various community groups, particularly the youth, in an effort to empower them to master the Arabic language as a key element of the community’s community identity that embodies its heritage and values. This, in turn, sustainably promotes reading as a practice among various segments of society.

Coinciding with National Reading Month and the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), the agenda for the initiative features 1,700 creative events and key initiatives, held in collaboration with 100 government and private-sector entities, bringing together 100 creative talents, and welcoming 50,000 UAE citizens and residents from schools, universities, government institutions, and public spaces across the country.

The agenda covers 14 areas of interest and includes reading clubs, discussion panels, creative writing workshops, intellectual lectures, art seminars, educational entertainment programs, specialized courses, poetry readings, storytelling sessions, radio programs, cultural competitions, initiatives involving artificial intelligence (AI), and new book launches.

“This community campaign for sustainable reading reflects our commitment to enhancing the role of the Arabic language among all community members and embedding a culture of reading into their daily lives, regardless of age or intellectual background,” said, Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said.

“In this initiative, as with all our projects, we draw inspiration from the wise leadership’s vision to cement the Arabic language as a pillar of community identity, and promote reading as a cornerstone for intellectual and knowledge advancement,” he added, according to WAM.

Bin Tamim stressed that “sustainable reading is crucial for achieving lasting intellectual development. It is a key foundation for building capabilities and enhancing the skills of community members, especially the youth, ensuring they stay connected and engaged with contemporary thought, culture, and technology, thus enabling them to participate in the ongoing cultural renaissance, equipped with knowledge and values rooted in the traditions of the UAE.”



Prince of Wales Explores AlUla Arts Festival, Engages with Local Artists

The prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields - SPA
The prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields - SPA
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Prince of Wales Explores AlUla Arts Festival, Engages with Local Artists

The prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields - SPA
The prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields - SPA

AlUla Arts Festival captured the interest of the Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Prince William during his recent visit to AlUla, SPA reported.

He viewed a selection of standout works by Saudi and international artists, ranging from contemporary installations to immersive open-air experiences inspired by AlUla’s landscapes and rich heritage.

He was also briefed on the festival’s creative programs, which annually transform AlUla into a dynamic platform for art and innovation, attracting artists and visitors from around the world.

During the visit, the prince met with a group of talented young men and women from AlUla active in various artistic and cultural fields.

He listened to their experiences and contributions to the governorate's cultural development, supported by ongoing efforts to strengthen the creative sector and expand its local and international presence.


Saudi Cinema Expands International Footprint at Berlin Festival

Saudi Cinema Expands International Footprint at Berlin Festival
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Saudi Cinema Expands International Footprint at Berlin Festival

Saudi Cinema Expands International Footprint at Berlin Festival

The Film Commission took part in the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, held from February 12 to 22, to showcase its key achievements in advancing the Saudi film sector and highlighting a selection of films that demonstrate the talent of Saudi filmmakers and the Kingdom’s expanding production infrastructure.

It presented the Kingdom’s diverse filming locations and spotlighted major milestones, including Norah, the first Saudi film selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, SPA reported.

The commission signed several cooperation agreements with leading international film institutions, including the French National Center of Cinema. It also launched artistic initiatives in Berlin in collaboration with global partners and cinemas, demonstrating the Kingdom’s expanding cultural and creative network.

CEO of the commission Abdullah Al-Qahtani said: "Saudi cinema goes beyond filmmaking to building cultural bridges and sharing authentic stories with global audiences."

He noted that strengthening strategic partnerships and investing in local talent are central to positioning the Kingdom as a hub for creative industries, adding that continued participation in international festivals broadens exposure to the richness and diversity of Saudi culture.


Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture
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Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

Saudi Arabia, UK Announce 2029 as Saudi-UK Year of Culture

The Saudi Ministry of Culture and the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport have announced the year 2029 as the official Saudi-UK Year of Culture, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday. The announcement follows an official visit by Britain’s Prince William to Saudi Arabia this week.

For nearly a century, formal relations between Saudi Arabia and the UK and Northern Ireland have evolved into a multifaceted international relationship that has expanded across culture, education, and innovation, reflecting shared values and a mutual commitment to long-term cooperation.

In recent years, cultural exchange has emerged as a cornerstone of Saudi-British relations, driven by joint initiatives in heritage conservation, visual and culinary arts, architecture, and higher education.

This ongoing expansion of cultural exchange lays the foundation for the Saudi-UK Year of Culture 2029, a year-long program celebrating creative dialogue and the shared heritage of Saudi Arabia and the UK, while deepening cultural ties for generations to come. It will also be a great opportunity for young people in both countries to connect in new ways.

Supported by Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Kingdom’s continued promotion of cultural innovation and creativity, the Saudi-UK Year of Culture 2029 will be an important milestone for both countries.