Latifa bint Mohammed participates in the first-ever ‘Reading for Pleasure’ conference hosted by Emirates Literature Foundation – Sports – Olympics

The inaugural ‘Reading for Pleasure’ conference, organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation, took place in Dubai and attracted over 50 experts from around the world. The event, aligned with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 envisioned by Mohammed Bin Rashid, aimed to promote a vibrant society and an education system focused on enriching human capital.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, graced the event with her presence. The conference kicked off with a keynote speech by Isobel Abulhoul OBE, Founder, Adviser, and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation. The two-day event featured panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities to highlight the transformative power of a reading habit in people’s lives.

The conference brought together a diverse group of speakers, including international experts like Bassem Saad, CEO of the Queen Rania Foundation, and Dr. Charles Hulme, Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Oxford. Local speakers from the UAE, such as His Excellency Sultan Al Neyadi, Astronaut and UAE Minister of State for Youth, also shared their insights on the importance of reading for pleasure.

The program included discussions on the critical roles of parents, educators, researchers, and the scientific community in fostering a love for reading. The conference emphasized the need to work together to encourage children to cherish books and find joy in reading, ensuring the success of future generations.

In addition to lectures and panel discussions, the Emirates Literature Foundation and DP World signed a memorandum of understanding in May 2023 to implement a pilot scheme promoting reading for pleasure in Arabic and English. The comprehensive plan includes developing libraries, providing a range of books in both languages, and engaging with parents and teachers to support children’s reading habits.

The initiative is supported by research from institutions like Zayed University, UAE University, University of Birmingham, and University of Cambridge. In 2024, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives and Arab Reading Challenge joined the initiative, with donations from Al HudHud and Penguin Random House to propel the next stage of the project.

The ‘Reading for Pleasure’ conference was a significant step towards promoting a culture of reading in Dubai and beyond. By bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss the impact of reading on society, the event highlighted the importance of fostering a love for books and literature in children and adults alike. For more information about the initiative, visit the provided links.