A new campaign in Sharjah is encouraging more youngsters to read with the ‘read you are in Sharjah’ initiative. The aim is to integrate reading spaces into the emirate’s landmarks to promote daily reading among children and teenagers. Launched by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), the campaign celebrates Sharjah’s love for books and knowledge. This initiative aligns with the emirate’s cultural aspirations and reflects a commitment to cultivating cultural creativity within the Arabic language.
Inspired by Sharjah’s renowned slogan, ‘Smile You Are In Sharjah,’ the campaign emphasizes the importance of cultural institutions in inspiring and engaging the younger generation. Sheikha Bodour stressed the collective responsibility to nurture the love for knowledge among the youth through initiatives that resonate with them. Menassah Distribution Company will implement the campaign, aiming to offer high-quality Emirati and Arab cultural content to encourage reading in the Arabic language.
As the cultural capital of the Arab World, Sharjah has established itself as a hub for cultural activities over the years. It hosts the Sharjah Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs globally, attracting literary figures and titles from all over the world. In 2019, the emirate was recognized as the world book capital, further solidifying its position as a center for literary excellence and cultural exchange. Menassah Distribution Company’s promotional drive will target Sharjah’s local community, focusing on engaging the youth to create a community of avid readers and promote cultural exchange among people.
Rashid Al-Kous, General Manager of Menassah Distribution Company, commended Sheikha Bodour for her efforts to make books accessible to all. The company is committed to bringing about an “intellectual renaissance” in Sharjah through initiatives like the ‘read you are in Sharjah’ campaign. This drive to enhance the cultural landscape of Sharjah aims to reinforce the emirate’s status as the cultural capital of the Arab world. By instilling a love for reading and providing Arabic cultural content, the initiative hopes to enrich the intellectual and cultural experience of the local community, particularly the youth.
The campaign is part of a broader cultural vision for Sharjah, focusing on promoting reading in the Arabic language and encouraging cultural creativity among the younger generation. Sheikha Bodour’s commitment to inspiring and engaging the youth through initiatives like this reflects the emirate’s dedication to nurturing a love for knowledge and literature. By integrating reading spaces into Sharjah’s landmarks and promoting daily reading habits, the campaign seeks to create a vibrant community of readers and foster cultural exchange among people of all ages. Through this initiative, Sharjah continues to strengthen its position as a leading cultural hub in the region, showcasing its love for books, knowledge, and creativity.
