As part of the Year of Reading, the Male Student Activities Department at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) organized a ‘Reading Walkway’ on Wednesday, 12^th October, 2016. Professor Ghaleb Al Hadrami, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies; Ali Al Kaabi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs and Enrollment and a number of deans, faculty and students were all in attendance.  

This is in line with government directives and the national strategy for reading developed by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nhayan, President of the UAE. It represents a desire to inculcate a culture of knowledge and discovery and helps to prepare future leaders.

The activity aimed to disseminate a culture of reading and to raise both intellectual and cultural awareness among the university community. The Reading Walkway included a travelling library and initiatives entitled, ‘A Book in my Room’, ‘Book Shop’, and ‘I Read for You.’ It will run throughout the year and deal with a particular book each week.

The Watani Club took part and provided books that focused on the national identity and loyalty to the UAE and its leadership. A ‘Reading Retreat’ was also established to encourage creative and critical reading.