The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge (MBRF), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center (ALC), held the ‘Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025’ at the ALC headquarters. The event aims to nurture a reading culture, enrich literary dialogue, and foster exchanges between the MBRF’s ‘Knowledge Lounge’ and ALC’s ‘Kalima Reading Club,’ along with other local and Arab reading clubs. Additionally, it serves as an interactive platform to develop participants’ critical and intellectual analytical skills.
The forum, held in the presence of H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC; and Prof. Yasir Suleiman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), brings together reading communities both within and beyond the UAE into a unified knowledge ecosystem while providing a supportive environment for sharing ideas and visions. This is essential for creating an interactive, knowledge-based community.
The forum also promotes analytical and creative discussions of contemporary works to enrich the literary landscape, while establishing sustainable communication networks that enhance collaboration and the sharing of experiences among literature enthusiasts across the Arab World.
Organized annually by ALC, the seventh edition of the forum facilitated the analysis and discussion of the six novels nominated for IPAF 2025. The shortlisted novels are: ‘Danishmand’ by Ahmed Fal Al Din from Mauritania, ‘Valley of Butterflies’ by Azhar Jargis from Iraq, ‘The Andalusian Christ’ by Taysir Khalaf from Syria, ‘The Women’s Pact’ by Haneen Al-Sayegh from Lebanon, ‘Prayer of Anxiety’ by Mohamed Samir Nada from Egypt, and ‘The Texture of Light’ by Nadia Al-Najjar from the UAE. As part of this, interactive discussions were held with the participation of heads and members of several local and Arab reading clubs.
During the event, H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb remarked: “The Arab Reading Clubs Forum is an integral part of MBRF’s strategic vision designed to achieve our developmental and knowledge-based objectives. By forging a strategic alliance with ALC, we hope to create an inspiring reading environment, develop the analytical skills of Arab readers, and broaden the dialogue on contemporary Arabic literature, particularly the novels nominated for IPAF, due to their significant intellectual value and representation of the current literary scene.”
His Excellency further stated: “Through the ‘Knowledge Lounge’ initiative, which has now surpassed a decade of activities, we have strived to promote reading as a central focus of our efforts. Since its inception, we have been steadfast in our commitment to expanding our impact both within and outside the UAE by launching impactful reading clubs. Presently, the reach of the ‘Knowledge Lounge’ extends across the UAE, Jordan, and Australia, as well as to a wide network of Arab readers around the world. Furthermore, the lounge groups cumulatively read over 180 books each year, with more than 200 knowledge sessions held annually, making it one of the region’s most prominent sustainable reading initiatives.”
H.E. Bin Huwaireb concluded by noting that the initiative is not restricted to recreational or general reading. Instead, it seeks to cultivate a knowledge-based and critical approach that enriches the reader while fostering reflection, questioning, and contemplation. It also aims to transform the reader from a passive recipient to an active contributor in the creation of meaning, which is one of the key goals of ‘Knowledge Lounge’ and its various clubs.
H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim said: “We are delighted to partner with MBRF in organizing the ‘Arab Reading Clubs Forum 2025.’ It is commendable that the latest edition of the forum is dedicated to discussing the shortlisted novels of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, of which we are a proud sponsor. This remarkable accolade aims to recognize promising talents in the contemporary Arabic literary landscape, enhancing their visibility and readership.”
His Excellency further stated: “The inspiring vision of the UAE’s wise leadership has successfully positioned Arabic reading as a key priority in our society. Reading is now being embraced as an integral facet of day-to-day life, especially among the youth and future generations.”
H.E. Bin Tamim also noted that reading clubs and literary salons have long been a part of the nation’s cultural fabric, highlighting the Al Multaqa Literary Salon, launched in 1999 as a notable example. His Excellency stated that while these platforms differ in structure and management, they all contribute to the promotion of reading in a positive and effective manner. Some are led by individuals within the community, while others are managed by official and national entities.
Furthermore, His Excellency praised the outstanding efforts of the Kalima Reading Club, which represented ALC in hosting this event. The club boasts an extensive legacy, especially regarding its Kalima Translation Project, which has facilitated 1,300 translations in 10 categories across 27 languages to date.
H.E. Bin Tamim remarked: “The Kalima Reading Club was established in 2018 as a community-oriented cultural initiative aimed at serving society and enhancing the use of the Arabic language. Today, the club continues to grow in membership, further expanding to include the ‘Kalima School Club,’ ‘Kalima University Club,’ ‘Kalima Employees Club,’ and many other reading groups.”
The forum, organized into three stages, featured critical discussions that explored the artistic and intellectual aspects of the selected literary works, aligning with the forum’s goals of fostering a culture of collective reading and developing literary analysis skills. It also provided a designated electronic platform for attendees to vote for the most outstanding novel based on specific reading criteria.
The forum concluded with a set of recommendations emphasizing the importance of engaging readers in the literary scene by introducing a parallel track to the judging panel’s evaluation, thereby providing institutional visibility to the audience’s voice. The recommendations further included the announcement of reader surveys and their selections, to be featured in IPAF publications or on its official website. Additionally, the recommendations called for designing training programs aimed at enhancing critical reading among reading club members and encouraged forging partnerships between publishing houses and these clubs to broaden the dialogue on literary works. They also highlighted the promotion of a culture of documenting reading experiences to enrich Arab literary memory with diverse and accessible content.
The Arabic Reading Clubs Forum represents the culmination of the distinguished knowledge partnership agreement recently signed between MBRF and ALC, aimed at coordinating efforts to promote reading and enhance knowledge-based activities in the Arab region.