CDA And Dubai Culture Launch 'Zad Rashid' Initiative To Inspire Children To Read And Embrace Cultural Values

The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, alongside the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has introduced the ‘Zad Rashid’ initiative. This programme aims to foster a reading culture among children in Dubai while enhancing their national and linguistic identity. A key feature of this initiative is the distribution of 1,000 home libraries, each containing 25 books curated for young readers.

These libraries are designed with a focus on local talent, featuring 80% of books by Emirati authors and 20% by Arab writers residing in the UAE. This selection underscores a commitment to supporting local authors and publishers, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for creativity and knowledge. The initiative aligns with both authorities' vision to instil cultural and educational values in youth.

‘Zad Rashid’ seeks to nurture a love for reading, promote critical thinking, enrich the Arabic language, and provide children with an engaging alternative to screen-based entertainment. It aims to strengthen connections with public libraries and other knowledge sources. As part of this effort, CDA and Dubai Culture gifted 25 Emirati families a home library as recognition for their dedication to borrowing from the Dubai Public Library Network.

A panel discussion titled ‘The Importance of Reading in Building an Informed Society’ will be held under this initiative. It will gather Emirati authors, children, and parents to encourage dialogue between writers and readers. This event aims to inspire new literary talents among the younger generation.

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of CDA, highlighted that ‘Zad Rashid’ represents a long-term intellectual investment aimed at embedding reading habits within families. She stated that it helps children connect with their cultural heritage through enriching content. "This initiative reflects the integration of efforts between Dubai’s cultural and community development institutions," she added.

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, affirmed that ‘Zad Rashid’ highlights the Authority’s commitment to supporting Dubai’s creative ecosystem. She noted that reading is crucial for societal development and human empowerment. "Reading is the fuel of knowledge...one of the fundamental tools for societal development," she said.

Promoting Knowledge-Rich Environments

The initiative encourages children to visit public libraries more often by offering an entertaining alternative to digital media. It supports imagination development, dialogue enhancement, and critical thinking skills. The CDA plans to continue introducing initiatives that celebrate national identity and support childhood development through sustainable social models.

Aiming to ignite imagination in every Emirati child’s mind, ‘Zad Rashid’ aspires to lead them into a future filled with creativity by fostering a reading habit one book at a time.

With inputs from WAM