The United Arab Emirates University has launched several initiatives in support of “Year of Reading 2016” in response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.  This is keeping with the country’s ongoing role in developing the minds, character and skills of the sons and daughters of the country.

Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Vice Chancellor of the University, said: "The United Arab Emirates University is a scientific and intellectual beacon. It was founded on the visions of the wise leadership of the country’s founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The University believes that reading is the first skill needed by our children which then leads to the next phase of the development process in our country; an educated generation.  The United Arab Emirates is going through a remarkable transformation in virtually all areas and the government’s mission is to build the minds and skills of its people. This national initiative focused on reading is what the country needs in the next phase of development in the UAE.  Dr. Al Nuaimi added: "Part of the University's philosophy is to take its social responsibility and support issues related to the development of the UAE society seriously and professionally, as its enlightening, cultural, and social role has been constant throughout its existence. It has laid strong foundations for the community through producing graduates who have the necessary knowledge and skills, which have enabled them to work positively for the benefit of their country".

The United Arab Emirates University has launched the "Book Club" initiative, which is concerned with supporting the reading culture at the University and in the society.  The initiative consists of several events and activities that will be launched and they are: reading and discussion sessions, reading lectures and workshops, a variety of cultural evenings, "United Arab Emirates University Reads" event, "Read with an Official" initiative; encouraging reading among the administrators and faculty members, "A Library in My Room" program, aimed at the university housing students, and "A Book in My Vehicle" program to support reading everywhere.

Another initiative is entitled "Reading Festival", and its various activities were launched with a large community participation, and it included a variety of events that promote the role of reading and its importance.  The festival brings together various national institutions by using seminars whose themes vary between the relationship between happiness and reading, and the importance of reading in foreseeing the future. It will also include cultural programs that deal with the concept of reading and how it is related to the interests of the individual and society.

In addition, the (Reading Center) was established through the University College under the umbrella of the Student Academic Success Program, and under the supervision of specialized lecturers, in order to provide individual counseling to develop reading skills, and train the students on research reading, in addition to providing various types of reading, such as audio, drama, smart, comic, and other types of reading.