Arabic Language Centre launches ambitious community reading campaign at Louvre Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: In a vibrant celebration of culture and community, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) unveiled the first phase of its new campaign promoting sustainable reading, under the banner “Knowledge Illuminates Our Community.” The launch, held on Thursday at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, brought together influential figures from the UAE’s cultural, literary, media, and intellectual spheres.

This wide-reaching initiative aligns with the UAE’s official declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community and is part of the nation’s broader efforts to embed reading into the everyday lives of its people, particularly the youth. It also coincides with National Reading Month and builds momentum ahead of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

A vision for community

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, described the campaign as a vital step in preserving and promoting the Arabic language. “This campaign reflects our deep commitment to making reading a sustainable, lifelong habit and reinforcing Arabic as a cornerstone of our identity,” he said. “By nurturing reading skills, particularly among youth, we ensure a stronger, more knowledgeable, and engaged society.”

The initiative will span the first half of 2025 and features a staggering 1,700 events, in collaboration with 100 government and private-sector partners. With 50,000 participants expected from across the country—including schools, universities, and public institutions—the campaign aims to reach diverse segments of UAE society.

Multifaceted cultural engagement

Spanning 14 thematic areas, the campaign’s programming includes:

• Reading clubs and poetry readings

• Creative writing and art workshops

• Cultural competitions and AI-powered literary projects

• Educational entertainment and storytelling sessions

• Intellectual lectures and new book launches

Notably, the Kalima Reading Club will host 11 panel discussions featuring 30 prominent voices in literature. Other digital initiatives include “We Read for Children” and “Kalima in a Book”, targeting younger audiences via Abu Dhabi Media Network and ALC’s online platforms.

Deepening literary roots and expanding horizons

The campaign also strengthens literary partnerships through the Kalima Translation Project, joining forces with institutions like Qasr Al Hosn, Abrahamic Family House, and Abu Dhabi Children’s Library. These collaborations will offer sessions on classical and Nabati poetry, spiritual heritage, and Ramadan traditions.

In addition, 18 narrators will bring Arabic children’s stories to life through the Kalima and Esdarat projects, while the Qalam Creative Writing Programme will host hands-on workshops in short story writing and folk tale illustration.

Another highlight includes appearances by Sheikh Zayed Book Award winners, who will lead intellectual seminars discussing their creative journeys.

A sustainable cultural future

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of ALC, emphasized the campaign’s commitment to sustainability: “This is not a seasonal effort, but a long-term strategy to cultivate a culture of reading rooted in Arabic heritage and Emirati values. Through creativity and innovation, we aim to make knowledge both accessible and engaging for all.”

By fostering a rich literary ecosystem and embracing contemporary platforms and technologies, the ALC’s initiative marks a bold stride toward a more literate, informed, and united community—anchored in language, heritage, and cultural pride.