Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced the return of its ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ initiative, bringing a series of events which promote reading to Abu Dhabi malls and government entities for the third year in a row.

The event aims to encourage a culture of reading in the local community and to distribute the ALC’s publications on a wider scale, bringing them to the largest number of readers by making them available for sale at malls and shopping centres at permanent ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ displays.

Activities for this year were launched at Bawadi Mall in Al Ain, with the event set to continue there until 22 February. Al Ain Municipality will host ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ from 20 February to 10 March, while Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Abu Dhabi will host it from 26 February to 13 March. Other sites will be added later on, further expanding the initiative across the emirate.

This third edition of ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ follows the great success of last year’s event, and the Centre plans to expand activities to all seven emirates in the future.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “We have expanded the scope of the ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ initiative into an annual cultural event, as part of ALC’s wider plans to promote reading as a daily habit among all members of the community and introduce readers to the Centre’s latest publications. Holding the events in malls and shopping centres ensures that we give the widest possible audiences access to a large number of books in a new and innovative way, helping to build a community of avid readers.”

The ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ events welcome visitors daily from 10am to 10pm on weekdays, and until midnight on weekends, presenting hundreds of books in both Arabic and English. Book genres vary and cover everything from children’s and young adult literature, to travel literature, heritage and history, geography, biographies, literature, arts, sports, natural and applied sciences, languages, social sciences, philosophy, psychology, and general knowledge.

-Ends-

About Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, established following a directive from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, late President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, works to support Arabic language development and modernisation through comprehensive strategies and frameworks, enrich the scientific, educational, cultural and creative contributions of the Arabic language, promote Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding, and support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, arts, content creation and organisation of book fairs. The Centre works to realise its foundational vision through dedicated programmes, human expertise, and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture, tourism and creative sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.