The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) recently honoured students participating in the Kalima School Reading Club programme from 12 schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The ceremonies took place at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) theatre in Al Ain.

The recognition forms part of the Centre’s efforts to foster a culture of reading among students, strengthen their connection to books and knowledge, and develop their thinking and communication skills, thereby reinforcing the presence of the Arabic language in their consciousness and supporting their creative abilities.

In his opening address at the ceremony, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is committed to fulfilling the UAE’s visions and cultural development plans by providing whatever is necessary to achieve these ambitions. To that end, we have launched programmes and projects to support new generations and build their capacities. We also adopted policies that encourage all members of society to embrace books as their ultimate companion.”

“This stems from our belief that culture and knowledge are interconnected pillars that nurture generations with excellent leadership skills, a sense of responsibility, and creative awareness rooted in noble values. This, in turn, empowers them to lead the nation towards further development and prosperity in the future,” His Excellency added.

“Instilling a love for the Arabic language in the hearts of younger generations and connecting them with books and sources of knowledge is a shared national responsibility,” he affirmed. “These efforts lead to the realisation of the UAE's aspirations and future vision, while enhancing its standing as a hub for creativity and creative minds.”

H.E. bin Tamim explained that the Kalima School Reading Club programme reflects the ALC’s commitment to starting with schools, which serves as the primary foundation for knowledge among new generations and the main contributor, alongside the family, to developing their awareness and understanding.

The programme continues its role in enriching students’ vocabulary, encouraging research and literary activities, and fostering a dynamic cultural movement within educational institutions. It was expanded this year, Building on its remarkable success, the programme was expanded this year to encompass 12 schools – eight in Abu Dhabi and four in Al Ain.

Targeting students from the fourth cycle through to secondary school, the programme conducted 53 sessions, engaged 348 male and female students, and discussed 36 titles. Further expansion is planned for next year, with the aim of including a larger number of schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, as part of efforts to promote a culture of reading and develop students’ communication and critical thinking skills.

The Kalima School Reading Club is a pioneering cultural programme and a branch of the Kalima Reading Club, which was established in 2018. The club aims to encourage reading in Arabic, foster constructive community engagement, and create a space centred around books and the Arabic language — one dedicated to exchanging insights, ideas, and literary discussions.

The programme aims to help achieve the ALC’s goal of nurturing a mindful and cultured generation by establishing reading clubs in schools across various stages of education. It is based on the premise that reading begins at school and has an impact on the family, helping to create a culturally and intellectually supportive environment for children and cementing their connection to the Arabic language from an early age. By organising interactive sessions, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives in the UAE and abroad, the programme prepares younger generation to contribute to the UAE’s sustainable development. The Emirates is committed to investing in human capital, guided by a firm conviction in the importance of education, reading, and culture in preparing future generations.

The programme is one of the executive arms of the Community Campaign to Support Sustainable Reading, which was launched by the ALC last year in conjunction with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’. The campaign aims to drive a profound shift in society’s relationship with reading, transforming it from a limited individual activity into a sustainable community practice, and empowering various segments of society to access knowledge in the Arabic language.

Schools and educational institutions played a major role in the success of the campaign’s first edition, which engaged more than 75,000 beneficiaries. This  was achieved through the organisation of 2,000 cultural and knowledge events in cooperation with more than 100 public and private entities across various fields of knowledge, in addition to organising school trips to book fairs across the country.