UAE Ministry of Culture Launches 'Reading Ambassadors Initiative' to Promote Literacy

The UAE Ministry of Culture (MOC) has launched the Reading Ambassadors Initiative in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and the Federal Youth Authority. This initiative marks the conclusion of National Reading Month 2025 and aims to cultivate a sustainable reading culture by appointing influential figures as literacy advocates and mentors.

The program focuses on integrating reading into daily life and empowering communities to embrace literacy. The Reading Ambassadors—carefully selected across four key categories: writers and pioneers, youth, volunteers, and children—will lead impactful initiatives, share success stories, and encourage best practices to foster habitual reading across society.

Encouraging Literacy and Cultural Engagement

The initiative aligns with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood’s theme for Emirati Children’s Day 2025—‘The Right to Identity and National Culture’. This theme promotes national identity, cultural heritage, and Arabic language proficiency among young readers. By encouraging Arabic reading, the program aims to strengthen children’s linguistic connection and preserve the UAE’s cultural heritage, including poetry, proverbs, and traditional arts.

H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that reading is a fundamental pillar of knowledge acquisition, scientific advancement, and national competitiveness. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to fostering literacy through innovative and sustainable initiatives that support the UAE’s vision for cultural and intellectual development.

Role of the Reading Ambassadors

The Reading Ambassadors will play a vital role in advocating for literacy by engaging with diverse communities, leading projects at MOC-affiliated libraries and cultural centers, and developing creative initiatives to integrate reading into everyday life. The Ministry of Culture will provide extensive support through media promotion, cultural forums, and dedicated creative spaces within libraries.

The first edition of the initiative features prominent figures from different sectors:

1. Writers and Pioneers Category

• Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan – Chairperson, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions

• Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi – Writer, poet, Executive Director, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage

• Asma Seddiq Al Mutawaa – Founder, Al Multaqa Literary Salon

• Dr. Aisha Belkhair – Research Advisor, National Library and Archives

• Fahad Al Memari – Writer, researcher, Chairman, Emirates Library and Information Association

• Maitha Al Khayat – Internationally acclaimed children’s author and illustrator

• Mohammed Al Hebsi – Writer, novelist, Director of Literature, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority

2. Volunteers Category

• Hashem Al Wali – Trainer, writer, and social content creator

• Fatima Al Hammadi – Certified trainer and head of volunteer team “Al Dhafra Testahel”

3. Youth Category

• Members of the Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and Fujairah Youth Councils

• Amna Al Mansouri – UAE Arab Reading Challenge Champion (2023)

• Ahmed Faisal Ali – UAE Arab Reading Challenge Champion (2024)

4. Children’s Category

• Members of the Emirati Children’s Parliament, including prominent young figures from UAE royal and literary families.

Leaders’ Reflections on the Initiative

Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan expressed pride in participating, reflecting on how her early love for reading was inspired by her late father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan. She emphasized the role of critical and interactive reading in fostering creativity and intellectual growth.

Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi highlighted that reading is no longer just a hobby but a fundamental force shaping awareness, scientific knowledge, and cultural identity. He described reading as an essential tool for understanding modern advancements and paving the way for a prosperous future.

A National Commitment to Literacy

Through the Reading Ambassadors Initiative, the Ministry of Culture aims to position reading as a national priority by empowering influential figures to promote literacy across different societal groups. With the program’s first edition now launched, the initiative is set to contribute significantly to cultural growth, intellectual development, and the UAE’s vision as a global center for knowledge and innovation.

An annual forum will be held at the end of each year to showcase the Reading Ambassadors' achievements, ensuring the program remains impactful and sustainable.