Dubai, March 31, 2015:The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) has launched the latestseries of its Book in Minutes initiative whichmakes international best-sellers available in easy-to-read Arabic summaries to popularisespecialised books in different genres among the public.The new issue highlights three themes the impact of modern technology on social relations and communication between people, leadership and innovation, and positive energy.

The first book Alone Togetherby author Sherry Turkle discusses the effects of modern technology and electronic devices on people and relationships, and the possibility that robots could one day become the ideal companions of human beings. The book highlights how technology hasbrought thosefar awaycloser but isolated people fromthose nearthemas family members are drawn to electronic devices. It also discusses the effect of electronic games on childrens minds.

The second book titled Collective Genius The Art and Practice of Leading Innovationby Linda Hill and others discuss the direct relationship between leadership and innovation. The book presents examples of collective genius supportedby leadership. It provides lessons learned from the prominent leaders such as Gandhi and Mandela, who have enabled people to achieve their dreams. The book stresses community-based innovation for development of a sense of belonging and identity to enable people to perform their roles with passion.

The third book titled The Motivation ManifestobyBrendon Burchard discusses themethods to restore our personal power, and respond to crises and problems with a strong spirit. It also highlights how dormanthuman capabilitiescan be restored, and states thatit is motivation that drives humans to strive towards creativity and live a complete life. The book points out that we need to live each moment without fear or hesitation, expressing ourselves and our dreams.

In his opening note in the new seriesofBook in Minutes, H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said:Modern technology has contributed tothe growth and development of several aspects of the world today, and enabled humansto achieve a better and more comfortable life. However, technology has also affected human relations, and we find that even when family members are sitting together they are absorbed in their smart phones and other devices. Conversations and laughter have disappeared altogether as technology has replaced them with silence.

Stressing the importance of the manner in whichpeople communicate with each, H.E. Huwairebdescribed communication as a major tool that can create positive energy whether at work or within the community.A balanced approach to communication is required to establish better relations, he added.