The Ministry of Culture has launched the activities of the National Reading Month in the current of March, which aligns with the declaration of 2026 as the «Year of Family» under the slogan «Growth and Belonging». This affirms that the family represents the cornerstone in instilling a love for reading in children and consolidating authentic Emirati values. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, said: «The Reading Month represents a renewed national station where we celebrate the value of knowledge and its pivotal role in enhancing national identity, and the importance of the family as a main partner in building a reading community that adheres to its values. Reading is a cornerstone in preserving our identity and consolidating the system of authentic Emirati values».He confirmed that «consolidating the habit of reading within the family contributes to transferring the cultural and intellectual heritage between generations, building an awareness that reflects the uniqueness of our society, preserving its cultural cohesion, and enhancing the sense of national belonging», noting that the reading family forms the basis for building an aware generation that actively participates in community development and building its future.The activities of the National Reading Month include organizing the «Reading Retreat», with the participation of about 30 federal and local authorities and public associations, alongside representatives of the cultural and educational sectors. This event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the declaration of the Year of Reading and the issuance of the Reading Law in 2016.The retreat aims to discuss the current challenges in implementing the Reading Law, propose projects capable of addressing them, present the results of the UAE National Reading Index 2025 survey, discuss the methodology for its development in the coming years, and highlight the state's achievements in the reading file during the period (2016–2026), while adopting strategic long-term initiatives (2026–2036) within the National Future Reading Plan.The National Reading Month also witnesses the implementation of a wide range of activities and events that will be held in the cultural and creative centers affiliated with the Ministry of Culture across the country's emirates, to instill the habit of reading among all members of society.The National Reading Month is one of the most prominent cultural initiatives organized by the Ministry of Culture within its strategy aimed at promoting a culture of science and knowledge. Among them is the National Framework for Cultural Activities in Schools in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, which targets students of all age groups, from kindergarten to students of the third cycle in public and private schools.Reading is a right for allSince 2016, the UAE has taken a number of steps that made reading a constant and accessible right for all. These include adopting the National Reading Strategy (2016–2026), which includes 30 main national directions in the sectors of education, health, culture, community development, media, and content, and issuing the first-of-its-kind Reading Law, which sets legislative frameworks, executive programs, and specific government responsibilities to sustainably consolidate the value of reading in the state.30 federal, local authorities, and public associations participate in the Reading Retreat.
