emirates7 - The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced details for the ninth edition of the "Reading Box," which will take place from October 9th to 18th at City Centre Mirdif. This event aims to broaden the intellectual horizons of both children and adults, encouraging them to read and explore literature. It aligns with Dubai Culture's support for the National Literacy Strategy 2016–2026, which promotes cultural values and makes reading a daily practice.
As part of the School of Life initiative, the Reading Box will feature 55 sessions, including poetry nights and creative workshops. These activities will provide attendees with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills in areas such as storytelling, literary writing, and Arabic calligraphy. They will also allow for discussions with writers, intellectuals, poets, and heritage experts from both the UAE and abroad.
Eiman Al Hammadi, Manager of Libraries Affairs at Dubai Culture, highlighted the significance of this initiative, describing it as an important platform for promoting reading and accessing diverse sources of knowledge. She noted that the program will help individuals develop leadership and creative thinking skills while highlighting Dubai's vibrant literary scene and cultural significance. Al Hammadi added that the initiative aligns with Dubai Culture's broader goals of nurturing educated generations capable of contributing to sustainable development and maintaining the emirate’s status as a global cultural hub.
The Reading Box program includes workshops and talks designed to help participants develop leadership skills and appreciate the beauty of literature and storytelling. Among the notable sessions is ‘What is Home?’ by Emirati author Sara Galadari, aimed at children aged 6 to 9, which takes them on an imaginative journey exploring friendship and belonging.
In the ‘3D Paper Craft Activity’ workshop, graphic designer and educator Afreen Nizam will teach children aged 7 to 12 how to their own characters and landscapes using vibrant colors and creative techniques. Meanwhile, Hazem Kurdali will lead an ‘Arabic Calligraphy on Book Covers’ workshop, where youth and adults can explore the fusion of traditional calligraphy with contemporary design.
Other highlights include Emirati children's author Ebtisam Al Beiti’s session, ‘A Dragon Called Blue,’ for kids aged 3 to 6, which focuses on navigating big life changes through a creative storytelling experience. Maitha Al Khayat will lead a reading session of ‘Aisha’s Cake’ for children aged 6 to 8, involving interactive activities such as solving puzzles and creating imaginative recipes.
Nutrition coach Nouf Al Watban will host ‘Let Us Grow Healthy,’ a session for expecting parents and those interested in fostering healthy eating habits in their children. This workshop will cover topics such as nutrition during pregnancy, managing food allergies, and the impact of food on health.
Lastly, a panel titled ‘The Power of Poetry,’ moderated by Naouel Chaoi, will feature poets and authors such as Dr. Afra Atiq, Reem Al Mubarak, and Moza Al Sharif. The panel will explore poetry as a powerful tool for personal expression and emotional depth, offering participants a chance to share their own poetic works in an interactive setting.
As part of the School of Life initiative, the Reading Box will feature 55 sessions, including poetry nights and creative workshops. These activities will provide attendees with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills in areas such as storytelling, literary writing, and Arabic calligraphy. They will also allow for discussions with writers, intellectuals, poets, and heritage experts from both the UAE and abroad.
Eiman Al Hammadi, Manager of Libraries Affairs at Dubai Culture, highlighted the significance of this initiative, describing it as an important platform for promoting reading and accessing diverse sources of knowledge. She noted that the program will help individuals develop leadership and creative thinking skills while highlighting Dubai's vibrant literary scene and cultural significance. Al Hammadi added that the initiative aligns with Dubai Culture's broader goals of nurturing educated generations capable of contributing to sustainable development and maintaining the emirate’s status as a global cultural hub.
The Reading Box program includes workshops and talks designed to help participants develop leadership skills and appreciate the beauty of literature and storytelling. Among the notable sessions is ‘What is Home?’ by Emirati author Sara Galadari, aimed at children aged 6 to 9, which takes them on an imaginative journey exploring friendship and belonging.
In the ‘3D Paper Craft Activity’ workshop, graphic designer and educator Afreen Nizam will teach children aged 7 to 12 how to their own characters and landscapes using vibrant colors and creative techniques. Meanwhile, Hazem Kurdali will lead an ‘Arabic Calligraphy on Book Covers’ workshop, where youth and adults can explore the fusion of traditional calligraphy with contemporary design.
Other highlights include Emirati children's author Ebtisam Al Beiti’s session, ‘A Dragon Called Blue,’ for kids aged 3 to 6, which focuses on navigating big life changes through a creative storytelling experience. Maitha Al Khayat will lead a reading session of ‘Aisha’s Cake’ for children aged 6 to 8, involving interactive activities such as solving puzzles and creating imaginative recipes.
Nutrition coach Nouf Al Watban will host ‘Let Us Grow Healthy,’ a session for expecting parents and those interested in fostering healthy eating habits in their children. This workshop will cover topics such as nutrition during pregnancy, managing food allergies, and the impact of food on health.
Lastly, a panel titled ‘The Power of Poetry,’ moderated by Naouel Chaoi, will feature poets and authors such as Dr. Afra Atiq, Reem Al Mubarak, and Moza Al Sharif. The panel will explore poetry as a powerful tool for personal expression and emotional depth, offering participants a chance to share their own poetic works in an interactive setting.