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How the world can benefit from reading

As the UAE celebrates the 'Year of the Reading', Capital Buzz takes a look at how the new generation will benefit from this initiative

The UAE has declared 2016 as the 'Year of the Reading'. The President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan proposed the theme earlier this year with an aim to create a generation of book lovers and consolidate the UAE's position as a global capital for culture and knowledge.
After the UAE cabinet approved the declaration of 2016 as the year of reading, all competent authorities in the country began the task of preparing a national framework that promotes reading among the new generation. A statement from the President said, "We gave our directives that the year 2016 be the year of reading because reading is the basic skill for a new generation of scientists, intellectuals, researchers and innovators. Establishment of a knowledge-based economy and changing the path of development is based on science and innovation. This requires nurturing a generation of readers who are fully aware of developments happening around them in the world as well as of and the best ideas and the latest theories."
The announcement was well received by all sections of the society. Academic experts noted that children who read quite often eventually get better at it. Therefore any such step that promotes reading in the society is welcome. As reading is a much more complex task for the human brain than watching TV, for example, a full year dedicated to reading shall help inculcate better values and strengthen brain connections in young people.
It is a known fact that reading improves concentration. The 'Year of the Reading' is a great initiative because it is expected to encourage the new generation - some of whom are transfixed by video games and other distractions - to focus on the written word. Once they develop the love for reading, their ability to do so for longer periods will go up automatically.
Reading teaches young people about the world around them. It opens new horizons and broadens the vision. The 'Year of the Reading' campaign is likely to inspire youngsters to know about people, places and events outside their own experience. They shall be exposed to ways of life, ideas and beliefs about the world in a very informed and intelligent way. -sadiq@khaleejtimes.com
Appreciation for art Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer in terms of avant-garde art and culture. On the Saadiyat Island is Manarat, Abu Dhabi's first purpose-built art centre, housing three major art galleries. The artistic venue houses international exhibitions from around the world, including Abu Dhabi Arts Gallery -a permanent space for a series of exhibitions.
Read and exploreA key feature in the capital's cultural cap is the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Providing a platform to authors, publishers, booksellers, agents, cultural organisations and the media, the fair has become a hub for exchanging ideas.
Know your heritage Abu Dhabi has other cultural spots like the Al Reef Handicrafts training centre. The little treasure trove is located at the Al Ain Sportplex and offers a chance to learn how to make traditional handicrafts. It encourages residents and tourists to know more about the rich UAE heritage.
Visual delight The Abu Dhabi Film Festival has notably kept the tradition of narrative alive in the UAE. The festival encourages the growth of filmmaking in the Arab world by featuring films from all over the region apart from showcasing the most prominent international productions.
sadiq@khaleejtimes.com