Check your phone, here's why it says 'UAE Reads'

Dubai - Several events have been organised across the country under this year's theme: 'My Family Reads'.

Did you wake up to a change of your phone network name?

UAE residents on Monday reported noticing their mobile network names had been changed to “UAE Reads”. That's because March 1 marks the beginning of the Month of Reading in the UAE, an annual initiative to foster a better culture of reading among citizens and residents alike.

ALSO READ:

>> Arab Reading Challenge: 11-year-old tops UAE reading 300 books in a year

>> How to get back to reading: 4 tips to transform your life

Several events — from workshops to seminars and more — are being organised across the country under this year's theme: 'My Family Reads'.

The Month of Reading 2021 initiative has been designed to enhance the role of parents in instilling a love of reading in their children, highlighting its vital role in early childhood development.

Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: “The Month of Reading is one of the country’s most important strategic initiatives, a directive from our leadership that aims to build a generation of future leaders armed with culture and knowledge, enabling them to further our development and preserve the cultural, intellectual and cognitive achievements of the UAE."

Commenting on the theme for this year, Isobel Abulhoul, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation, said: “Whilst there is a focus on creating a new generation of readers, we mustn’t forget that adults can play a huge role in shaping children’s attitudes towards books.

“If you read for pleasure yourself and read books regularly with your children, you are very likely to ensure that your offspring become avid readers. I hope not only parents, but grandparents, aunts and uncles also get involved in the family challenge, because books and the joy they bring should be enjoyed by everyone.”