Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Spearheads 'Read You're In Sharjah' Campaign For Cultural Enrichment

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), has introduced the "Read You're in Sharjah" campaign. This initiative, executed by Menassah Distribution Company, aims to promote reading within society and reinforce Sharjah's status as the cultural hub of the Arab world.

The campaign draws inspiration from Sharjah's well-known slogan, "Smile You Are in Sharjah," and celebrates the emirate's deep respect for books and knowledge. In 2019, Sharjah was named the "World Book Capital" for its unwavering support of culture, reading, and literature. This recognition underscores its role as a beacon for intellectual pursuits.

Sheikha Bodour emphasised that the campaign's goal is to make reading a daily habit, especially among young people and teenagers. She highlighted the shared duty of cultural institutions in Sharjah to motivate and engage the younger generation through initiatives that align with their interests, thereby enhancing their knowledge and awareness.

She further mentioned that this campaign aligns with Sharjah's cultural goals and aims to reach a global audience through literature. It demonstrates a commitment to fostering cultural creativity in the Arabic language.

Rashid Al-Kous, General Manager of Menassah Distribution Company, stated that under Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's patronage, the campaign reflects Menassah's dedication to nurturing a love for reading in future generations. It also aims to promote publications by Emirati publishers.

He added that the campaign seeks to provide high-quality Emirati and Arab cultural content to community members while encouraging reading in Arabic. This effort aligns with the visions of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement

The initiative highlights Sharjah's rich cultural heritage by integrating reading spaces within historical landmarks across the emirate. This approach aims to preserve authentic values through generations.

Menassah Distribution Company plans an extensive promotional drive targeting Sharjah's local community. The focus will be on engaging youth through compelling narratives to foster a deeper connection with reading.

The "Read You're in Sharjah" campaign stands as a testament to Sharjah's enduring commitment to culture and education. By promoting reading habits among youth and preserving cultural heritage, it aims to inspire future generations.

With inputs from WAM