Under the title "Let Reading Be a Habit," the Mohammed bin Rashid Library organized a virtual dialogue session in cooperation with the "Warqa wa Qalam" (Paper and Pen) initiative, with the participation of several young Emirati writers: Surur Abdel Wahid, Fatima Al-Aili, Fatima Al-Falasi, and Abdel Hadi Taki.
The session highlighted the importance of reading in our daily lives and how it can be transformed into a sustainable habit that shapes our personalities, thoughts, and identity through small steps. The discussion also covered the impact of different modes of reception on the reading experience, whether traditional reading, listening, or digital reading, and how each form affects comprehension and focus.
The session saw interaction through a series of questions posed about the motivations behind reading; do we read to understand the world around us or to understand ourselves? Can a single book have a significant impact on the course of our lives? Participants also shared their personal experiences in selecting books that foster critical thinking, the importance of titles that spark curiosity and encourage reflection, alongside a discussion on self-development books and whether they offer genuine value or are merely exaggerated promises.
Furthermore, the discussions addressed the daily challenges readers face, such as lack of time, being occupied with personal commitments, and distraction from social media, and how these obstacles can be overcome to make reading a natural part of the daily routine.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of carefully choosing titles amidst the vast amount of information and content circulating on social media platforms, and how readers can find what suits them and enriches their intellectual experiences.
