9th Reading Box Celebrates the Art of Storytelling and Poetry

Photo : Dubai government media office

The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has unveiled the ninth edition of the Reading Box, set to take place from October 9 to 18 at City Centre Mirdif. This vibrant event seeks to broaden the intellectual horizons of both children and adults, fostering a love for reading and the exploration of literature. It aligns with Dubai Culture's commitment to the National Literacy Strategy 2016–2026, which aims to embed cultural values within the community and promote reading as a daily practice.

As part of the broader School of Life initiative, this year's Reading Box will feature 55 engaging sessions, poetry evenings, and creative workshops designed to enrich knowledge and hone skills in storytelling, literary writing, and Arabic calligraphy. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in discussions with a distinguished group of writers, intellectuals, poets, and heritage experts, both from the UAE and internationally.

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Eiman Al Hammadi, Manager of Libraries Affairs Section at Dubai Culture, highlighted the significance of the Reading Box, emphasizing its role as a vital platform for enhancing knowledge within the community. She stated, “The Reading Box is an innovative and vital platform that spreads the culture of reading, encouraging individuals to access various knowledge sources, and enabling them to develop leadership and creative thinking skills through a rich programme of sessions that highlight the vibrancy of Dubai's literary scene and its significant cultural momentum. It aligns with Dubai Culture's efforts to build educated generations capable of contributing to sustainable development, keeping pace with future requirements, and enhancing the emirate's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.”

The programme includes a diverse array of workshops and talks that provide opportunities for the community to develop leadership skills and explore the aesthetics of literature and narrative storytelling. Among the notable sessions is “What is Home?” led by Emirati author Sara Galadari, aimed at children aged 6 to 9. This whimsical adventure promises themes of friendship, warmth, and the joy of discovering where one truly belongs.

Another highlight is the “3D Paper Craft Activity” with graphic designer and educator Afreen Nizam. Geared towards students aged 7 to 12, this session encourages creativity as participants design characters and landscapes inspired by beloved tales like Aladdin, using vibrant colors and artistic techniques. The workshop aims to spark imagination and teach concepts of depth and dimension in a collaborative setting.

In the “Arabic Calligraphy on Book Covers” workshop, facilitated by Hazem Kurdali, both youth and adults will delve into the art of Arabic calligraphy. They will explore its applications in cover design, learning to blend traditional beauty with contemporary creativity to create stunning designs that reflect the essence of their books.

Younger participants aged 3 to 6 can join Emirati children’s author Ebtisam Al Beiti for a creative exploration during the “A Dragon Called Blue” session, addressing feelings related to change, such as welcoming a new sibling. They will connect their emotions to colors and craft their own dragon eggs to take home.

Additionally, Maitha Al Khayat will lead a reading session of “Aisha’s Cake” for children aged 6 to 8, where participants will help solve the mystery of a lost recipe as Aisha and her grandfather gather dates to bake a special cake for Grandma. This interactive session combines storytelling with fun puzzles and imaginative recipe creation.

For parents, nutrition coach Nouf Al Watban will host “Let Us Grow Healthy,” a workshop focusing on nutrition during pregnancy and cultivating healthy eating habits in children. The session will cover essential topics such as selecting fresh foods, managing food allergies, and understanding the impact of diet on health, empowering parents to make informed dietary choices for their families.

Lastly, “The Power of Poetry” panel, moderated by Naouel Chaoi, features prominent voices like Dr. Afra Atiq, an award-winning Emirati poet; Reem Al Mubarak, an Emirati artist and author; and Moza Al Sharif, an Emirati author. This discussion will explore the profound impact of poetry as a means of personal expression and emotional depth, inviting participants to share their own poetic creations in an interactive and inspiring environment.

With its diverse programme, the Reading Box seeks to inspire a love for literature and cultivate a reading culture within the community, underscoring Dubai’s commitment to nurturing creativity and intellectual growth.

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