Read — the first word revealed in the Qur’an to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — is a divine command for reading and seeking knowledge, given the profound impact it has on elevating both the mind and spirit. Reading is the key that allows us to explore new worlds, uncover the histories of ancient civilizations, and enlighten our minds with innovative ideas. It’s not merely a pastime; it’s a journey where the spirit finds its purpose, and minds ascend toward different realms and horizons.
Looking back at the history of past nations since the dawn of time, we find that their strength was closely tied to their dedication to knowledge, the encouragement of their rulers to seek it, and their people’s passion for it. Conversely, those nations that neglected knowledge were weakened by ignorance, living in its darkness for long ages.
Since reading is the primary path to knowledge, it remains one of the noblest skills a human can possess. Therefore, we should all persevere in it and encourage our country’s youth to acquire and commit to this habit. When we read, we transcend the boundaries of our personal experience, diving into the thoughts and experiences of others, gaining wisdom, and benefiting from their expertise. It helps build a strong character capable of critical thinking, allowing us to live many lives and travel across different lands and eras.
Our leaders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have deeply recognized these truths, making reading an integral part of their long-term policy. This vision, which brings prosperity and development to our nation today, reflects the foundational legacy of the leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God rest his soul), who said: “The greatest investment is in building generations of educated and cultured individuals.”
Reflecting on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, we find a strong belief in building a strong human armed with knowledge. His Highness has stated, “Education is a top national priority, and investing in people is the true investment we seek.” Reading has the power to create a generation of scientists and innovators who will lead the nation toward a bright future. His Highness emphasized, “Reading is a source of knowledge and broad insight, and our role is to strengthen the bond of future generations with it. We want them to be pioneers in various sciences…we look to create scientists and generations that will lead the future.” In support of this, His Highness allocated 6 million dirhams to purchase valuable books from the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to enrich school libraries.
In the same spirit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Arab Reading Challenge, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to encourage all Arab children to embrace this rewarding and enriching journey. This event, widely embraced across the Arab world, has received immense admiration due to its noble goals and deep-rooted cultural foundations that aim for a great future. His Highness said, “Instilling reading in future generations is a long-term endeavor with profound impact.” His Highness believes that planting this habit in our children from an early age will give them the skills needed to face life’s challenges, producing valuable fruits in the long run. He reiterated that Arabs can reclaim their glory by building a generation of readers armed with knowledge, saying, “We win with our Arab youth who read…we win with the hope they plant in our homelands. Our youth prove that the Arab region can resume its long history of producing knowledge and science for the good of humanity.”
The UAE has set a vision to make reading a way of life in Emirati society by 2026. Numerous initiatives, events, and activities have been launched in recent years to support and encourage reading, with the collaborative efforts of public and private institutions to achieve this goal. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has played a significant role in building a reading society empowered with knowledge to lead the nation’s development journey.
In conclusion, our nation’s prosperity and advancement require us all to be armed with knowledge, adopting reading as the means to that end. We must firmly believe that reading is the ideal path toward a better future and make it a way of life, as it builds both individuals and nations.
