Reading Box Event In Dubai Promotes Storytelling And Poetry For All Ages

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the ninth edition of the Reading Box event. Scheduled from 9th to 18th October at City Centre Mirdif, this initiative aims to foster a love for reading among both children and adults. It aligns with Dubai Culture's mission to support the National Literacy Strategy 2016–2026, promoting cultural values and encouraging reading as a daily habit.

Reading Box is part of the School of Life initiative, offering 55 sessions, poetry evenings, and creative workshops. These activities aim to enhance knowledge in storytelling, literary writing, and Arabic calligraphy. Visitors can engage with writers, intellectuals, poets, and heritage experts from the UAE and beyond.

The programme includes diverse workshops designed to develop leadership skills and explore literature's beauty. One notable session is ‘What is Home?’ by Emirati author Sara Galadari for children aged 6 to 9. This session takes them on an adventure about friendship and belonging.

In another session, Afreen Nizam will lead a ‘3D Paper Craft Activity’ for ages 7 to 12. Participants will learn to design characters inspired by tales like Aladdin using vibrant colours. This workshop encourages creativity while teaching artistic composition and depth concepts.

Youth and adults can join Hazem Kurdali in the ‘Arabic Calligraphy on Book Covers’ workshop. This session explores Arabic calligraphy's art in cover design, blending traditional beauty with modern creativity to create stunning book designs.

For younger children aged 3 to 6, Emirati author Ebtisam Al Beiti offers ‘A Dragon Called Blue.’ This session helps kids navigate new experiences through storytelling about change. They will connect emotions to colours and paint their own dragon egg.

Interactive Learning

Maitha Al Khayat will host a reading session of ‘Aisha’s Cake’ for children aged 6 to 8. The story follows Aisha as she bakes a cake with her grandfather. Participants will solve mysteries, create recipes, and enjoy puzzles in this interactive session.

Nutrition coach Nouf Al Watban presents ‘Let Us Grow Healthy,’ aimed at expecting parents and those interested in healthy eating habits for children. The workshop covers nutrition during pregnancy, food allergies management, GMOs understanding, and more.

The Power of Poetry

The event also features ‘The Power of Poetry’ panel moderated by Naouel Chaoi from the United Nations. Dr Afra Atiq, Reem Al Mubarak, and Moza Al Sharif will discuss poetry's role in personal expression. Attendees can share their poems in this interactive setting.

Eiman Al Hammadi from Dubai Culture highlighted Reading Box's significance: "Reading Box is an innovative platform that spreads the culture of reading... It aligns with Dubai Culture's efforts to build educated generations capable of contributing to sustainable development."

With inputs from WAM