Culture Ministry Announces Reading Ambassadors Program
The Reading Ambassadors Initiative: Empowering a Nation Through Literacy
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Culture has launched an innovative initiative aimed at promoting literacy, fostering a culture of reading, and empowering youth as advocates for knowledge and creativity. The Reading Ambassadors Initiative is a collaborative effort with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and the Federal Youth Authority, and it aligns with the theme of Emirati Children's Day 2025, 'The Right to Identity and National Culture'.
The initiative identifies influential mentors as Reading Ambassadors in four categories: writers and pioneers, youth, volunteers, and children. Notable figures in the inaugural group of Reading Ambassadors include Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, and youth champions of the UAE Arab Reading Challenge. These figures underscore the transformative power of reading in shaping a knowledgeable, creative, and culturally engaged society.
The objectives of the Reading Ambassadors Initiative are multifaceted. They aim to encourage a culture of reading and intellectual curiosity across the UAE, empower youth and community members to become proactive promoters of literacy, support the nation’s broader vision of cultural development, intellectual growth, and social cohesion, and connect diverse segments of society through a shared passion for literature and knowledge.
The initiative includes several categories targeting various age groups and community sectors to encourage widespread participation and impact. The categories are: Youth Reading Ambassadors, Community Reading Ambassadors, Educational Sector Ambassadors, and Cultural Figures and Public Personalities. The eminent cultural leaders, government officials, prominent Emirati youth, influential educators, and literary figures participating in the initiative serve as role models and mentors for emerging reading ambassadors.
Selected Reading Ambassadors will lead impactful reading campaigns, promote best practices, and share success stories. They will also propose and implement innovative projects, particularly within MOC libraries and cultural centers. Dedicated spaces within cultural centers will be created for sharing the projects of the Reading Ambassadors. Ongoing media support will be provided for the Reading Ambassadors, and the ambassadors will be celebrated in an annual forum.
The synergy highlights the UAE's commitment to nurturing future generations through cultural and educational engagement. The Reading Ambassadors Initiative is part of UAE’s broader commitment to youth development and cultural enrichment. While the precise list of participants and detailed programmatic elements have not been explicitly documented in the publicly available search results, the Ministry of Culture’s support and engagement with youth empowerment and cultural dialogue strongly indicate the initiative's significance.
Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to making reading a cornerstone of national development. As the Reading Ambassadors Initiative unfolds, it is expected to make significant strides in promoting literacy, fostering a culture of reading, and empowering youth across the UAE.
[1] Ministry of Culture (UAE). (n.d.). Reading Ambassadors Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.moc.gov.ae/en/news/reading-ambassadors-initiative [2] Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (UAE). (n.d.). Emirati Children's Day 2025. Retrieved from https://www.supremecouncil-motherhood.gov.ae/en/emirati-childrens-day-2025 [4] Federal Youth Authority (UAE). (n.d.). Youth Ambassador Programmes. Retrieved from https://www.fya.gov.ae/en/youth-ambassador-programmes
- The Reading Ambassadors Initiative, launched by the Ministry of Culture, aims to empower youth by fostering a culture of reading, contributing to the future development of the nation.
- The initiative aligns with the theme of Emirati Children's Day 2025, 'The Right to Identity and National Culture', focusing on the role of education and self-development in shaping the general news of the country.
- The initiative encourages participation from various age groups and community sectors, including youth, volunteers, educators, and cultural figures, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices that promote literacy and intellectual curiosity.
- The Reading Ambassadors Initiative is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to youth development and cultural enrichment, demonstrating the government's dedication to nurturing a nation of educated, culturally engaged, and creative citizens.
