Dubai Culture to Host 11th Reading Box Initiative at Mirdif City Centre
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will host the 11th edition of its Reading Box initiative at Mirdif City Centre from October 19 to 28, bringing together writers, poets, publishers and readers for a programme of literary events and interactive activities.
The initiative aims to encourage reading across age groups, make cultural experiences more accessible and create opportunities for the public to engage with books, authors and creative works.
Storytelling, poetry and author sessions planned
Held as part of Dubai Culture’s Schools of Life project, Reading Box 11 will feature storytelling sessions for children, interactive activities, discussions, book signings and poetry evenings.
The programme will bring together a range of literary and creative figures, including translator Dr Ghanem Samarraei, writer Iman Al-Yousef, director Nahla Al-Fahad, poet Najat Al-Dhaheri, playwright Abdullah Saleh Al-Rumaithi, composer and music arranger Khalid Bin Khadem, and writer Avni Doshi.
The sessions are designed to provide opportunities for visitors to discover new literary works, exchange ideas and interact directly with writers and other creative professionals.
Reading Fund 2026 to showcase new publications
The Reading Fund 2026 will celebrate the launch of a collection of literary and cultural publications spanning different subjects and audiences.
The titles include Hanan, the Astronaut’s Doctor by Dr Reem Al Gurg, The Strangers’ Courtyard by Aisha Sultan, Salama’s Forest by Mariam Al Falasi, 8 Arab Treasures by Noura Khoury and Book Days Memoirs by Sheikha Al Mutairi.
Other featured publications include Indian Vocabulary in Emirati Dialects by Dr Aisha Al Ghais, The Innocence of Amin the Thief by Ahmed Amiri, Turbulence by Hafsa Lodi, Where The Sand Never Settles by Dr Ahmed Al Khoury, and Mountain Train by Michelle Ziolkowski.
Initiative supports Dubai’s quality-of-life goals
Dubai Culture said the initiative supports the emirate’s Quality of Life Strategy by encouraging lifelong learning, developing individual talents and strengthening connections between cultural institutions and the public.
Through its programme of literary activities and creative experiences, Reading Box aims to foster a lasting interest in reading while providing a platform for cultural exchange and creative expression.
The initiative also reflects Dubai Culture’s wider efforts to make culture accessible to different segments of society and strengthen Dubai’s position as a centre for cultural and creative activity.
Previous edition attracted more than 1,700 visitors
The 10th edition of Reading Box attracted more than 1,700 people, including approximately 50 people with disabilities.
The event featured more than 70 sessions for children and adults, five poetry evenings and over 20 book-signing events. Nearly 25 publishing houses participated, showcasing around 320 books and distributing 1,130 publications.
The previous edition also involved more than 15 partner institutions, highlighting the initiative’s role in bringing together readers, authors, publishers and cultural organisations.
With its 11th edition, Dubai Culture aims to build on that engagement and continue promoting reading through an accessible programme for families, young readers and the wider community.
