The Ministry of Culture brought together government officials, educators, publishers, and experts at the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for 'خلوة القراءة 2026'. The retreat, held on 17 September 2026, gathered representatives from federal and local authorities, cultural and educational institutions, and the private sector to discuss how national reading policy should adapt to digital content and future priorities, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).
This meeting comes ten years after the UAE's Year of Reading and the introduction of the Reading Law, offering a chance to review what has worked so far. The Book Fair, held under the patronage of the UAE President and themed "Turn the Page, Read the World," serves as a meeting point for conversations about reading, digital change, and the publishing industry. The fair itself includes about 1,500 events covering culture, innovation, and the arts, as reported by WAM.
Building a national reading ecosystem
Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, said the time of isolated reading campaigns is over. The Ministry now aims for an integrated vision, making reading part of daily life in schools, families, and workplaces. This approach is meant to create practical, community-based programs that address real needs, in line with the UAE Vision 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, both of which focus on knowledge-driven growth and developing human capital.
The Ministry is preparing a national strategy for 2027-2037. The plan aims to widen access to books and knowledge, support publishers and libraries, and use technology and innovation. This fits with broader government goals to strengthen the UAE's position in education and culture, as highlighted in recent Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefings.
Eight themes for a reading society
At 'خلوة القراءة 2026', discussions focused on eight main topics: the right to read, reading in society, reading in education, reading at work, libraries and reading materials, policies to support publishers, reading salons and clubs, and the UAE National Reading Index. Sector specialists led each theme, with input from ministries, local authorities, and community groups. Topics ranged from curriculum changes and library development to workplace reading programs and ways to measure reading habits, reflecting the government's focus on results.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chair of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, called the Book Fair an ideal setting for these discussions. He highlighted the need to use technology and innovation to make reading a daily habit and to strengthen the role of Arabic language and books in society. The National Reading Index 2025 will track changes in reading habits and help identify where investment is needed, supporting the UAE's goal to lead in knowledge production in the Gulf region.
Adapting to digital change
Participants discussed the impact of rapid technological change, especially digital platforms and artificial intelligence. They agreed these trends bring both opportunities and challenges, and that new strategies are needed to keep reading accessible and relevant. Abu Dhabi libraries, for example, now offer e-books, audiobooks, and 24/7 access to some facilities, as reported by Al Ittihad. This digital shift was a key topic at the fair, where innovation is seen as essential for reaching all parts of society.
Alongside the retreat, the Book Fair hosted professional sessions and agreements to support Arabic-language publishers and improve reading standards, including a memorandum of understanding with Miqyas Al Dhad. These efforts are part of the UAE's ongoing work to strengthen its creative industries and attract foreign investment, as noted by global media and the Dubai Media Office.
The main message from 'خلوة القراءة 2026' is that the UAE is moving from symbolic campaigns to a reading culture built into policy and daily life, supported by technology and clear measures of progress. The Ministry of Culture's approach, based on collaboration and tracking results, will shape the next decade. As the UAE invests in knowledge and innovation, the coming years will show whether these plans can build a society that reads and leads in the global knowledge economy.
