Abu Dhabi's 'Reading In Public' Initiative Grows To Include Local Cafés

In a significant move to foster a culture of reading within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has broadened the horizons of its 'Reading in Public' initiative. Initially launched at the start of the year, this initiative now extends its reach to coffee shops, aiming to embed reading into the daily lives of the community's diverse segments. This expansion is part of the ALC's Reading Month activities, highlighting their commitment to making literature more accessible.

The ALC has entered into a cooperation agreement with Cartel Coffee Roasters, ensuring that its publications are displayed across the café's branches throughout Abu Dhabi. This partnership marks the beginning of a series of collaborations intended to bring books closer to the public in unconventional settings. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Language Centre, emphasized the positive impact of situating books in social spaces, noting an increase in interest and engagement with reading materials as a leisure activity among the youth.

Al Tunaiji further elaborated on the initiative's strategic approach to selecting locations that resonate with younger demographics, including university students and young professionals. The aim is to integrate reading into modern social gatherings and daily routines, thereby nurturing a lifelong habit of reading. The initial phase involves partnering with 12 cafés, starting with Cartel Coffee Roasters, and plans are underway to include more venues across Abu Dhabi.

The 'Reading in Public' initiative is not limited to cafés but encompasses eight different types of locations such as hotels and hospitals. Its primary goal is to encourage people to utilize their waiting time productively by engaging with Arabic literature. This aligns with the ALC's broader objectives to promote Arabic as a language of culture, science, and creativity.

Books selected for display come from the ALC’s Kalima Project for Translation and the ‘Esdarat’ project, covering various subjects. The selection process is meticulous, focusing on popularity and relevance, with updates every quarter to ensure that readers have access to fresh and appealing content that meets their cultural and intellectual needs.

This initiative represents a thoughtful approach to integrating reading into everyday life, making it more than just an activity but a habit that enriches the community's cultural landscape. By bringing books into casual, social settings, the ALC aims to spark curiosity and foster a love for reading among all age groups in Abu Dhabi.

With inputs from WAM