As part of the UAE’s Year of Reading 2016 the United Arab Emirates University and the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural Center organized a reading initiative on Monday 2^nd of May 2016. There was a high turnout in the presence of Sheikha Dr. Shama Bint Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan, with administrators, academics and students from UAEU all in attendance in the Great Hall of the Crescent Building on the Al Ain campus.

His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashed Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, said that this reading initiative is part of the university’s role in raising intellectual and educational standards. A generation aware of modern developments and capable of leading a knowledge-based economy will be a big advantage to the UAE. 

He said that, “UAEU seeks to disseminate knowledge and serve the community. It does this by supplying qualified graduates with the necessary knowledge and skill to serve their country.” He stressed the university’s desire to work with various stakeholders to promote a passion for knowledge and a love of reading among students and the community in general.

The reading initiative was launched by UAEU in collaboration with the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural Center, and is also sponsored by the Ministry of Interior and the Islamic Bank of Abu Dhabi. More than 2,500 women watched a video on reading and listened to a panel discussion on the importance of reading to any society. Sheikha Dr. Shama Bint Muhammad then recited a selection of readings as part of the biggest reading hour in the world. This was based on the university’s vision and mission to act on government directives and community initiatives.