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.”



Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
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Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

A royal order has been issued approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts, an independent educational institution headquartered in Riyadh under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

With legal personality and financial and administrative autonomy, the university is dedicated to specialized education in culture and the arts, aiming to cultivate national talent across creative disciplines through advanced academic programs aligned with global best practices and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The royal order authorizes the Minister of Culture to exercise the powers of the Board of Trustees until it is formally established, ensuring the swift completion of organizational procedures to begin operations.

To enhance its academic mission, the university will seek partnerships with prestigious international institutions to exchange expertise and develop high-level educational programs.

This initiative underscores the leadership's commitment to bolstering the Kingdom’s position as a regional cultural hub and fostering the growth of its creative industries.


Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
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Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA
Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA

In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr, Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity as men follow the Prophetic tradition of adorning themselves for the holiday, creating high demand for new thobes, bishts, and high-quality perfumes such as oud oil and incense, while tailoring shops and specialty retailers work at peak capacity to meet the community’s needs before the Eid morning celebrations, SPA reported.

The classic white thobe remains the most popular choice for Eid morning, often paired with a shemagh and a white bisht to symbolize cultural identity and elegance.

Beyond appearance, these preparations reflect deep-rooted social and religious values, emphasizing gratitude, family visits, and the strengthening of communal ties.


Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA
The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA

As part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka, originally built in 1380 AH (1960) and commissioned by Shaman Al-Fuwaihi, has undergone a comprehensive restoration to preserve its architectural and cultural identity while serving as a vital link to the urban and social history of Al-Jouf Region, SPA reported.

The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters, yet maintained its original capacity of 28 worshippers.

Supervised by Saudi engineers and executed by specialized heritage firms, the project successfully balanced traditional standards with modern technology.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 by rehabilitating historic sites for prayer, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these religious landmarks.