The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre recently honoured students who participated in the "Kalima School Reading Club" programme from 12 schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, during two ceremonies held at the Cultural Complex in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates University theatre in Al Ain.
The recognition comes as part of the centre's efforts to entrench a culture of reading among students, strengthen their connection to books and knowledge, and develop their thinking and expression skills — contributing to deepening their bond with the Arabic language and supporting their creative abilities.
In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: "The centre is committed to translating the state's vision and its cultural development orientations, and provides everything necessary to achieve that. To this end, it has worked to launch programmes and projects that support building the capacities of new generations, and to adopt policies that encourage all members of society to make the book a companion — in the belief that culture and sound knowledge are interlinked pillars that contribute to raising generations endowed with leadership and a sense of responsibility, imbued with creative awareness, and rooted in the noble values that qualify them to lead the nation's future towards further progress and prosperity."
He stressed that instilling a love of the Arabic language in new generations and connecting them to books and sources of knowledge is a shared national responsibility that drives the realisation of the state's aspirations and future vision, and enhances its standing as an incubator for creativity and creators. He noted that the programme reflects the centre's commitment to beginning from the school, which it regards as the primary pillar of knowledge for new generations and the essential tributary — alongside the family — for developing their awareness and understanding.