The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, in cooperation with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Beijing, has launched the 'Knowledge Break' initiative in the People's Republic of China, as a new step in its efforts to expand the initiative's global presence and entrench reading as a daily habit that contributes to building more informed communities capable of producing and exchanging knowledge.
The launch coincided with the conclusion of the Foundation's participation in the 2026 Beijing International Book Fair. 'Knowledge Break' is one of the leading knowledge initiatives launched by the Foundation with the aim of encouraging reading and promoting intellectual dialogue.
His Excellency Hussein Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, said: "The launch of the 'Knowledge Break' initiative in the People's Republic of China represents a qualitative step that reflects the depth of the deep-rooted strategic and cultural relations between the UAE and the People's Republic of China, and embodies both countries' belief in the importance of knowledge as a bridge of communication between peoples and a key driver of sustainable development and the making of the future."
He added: "This initiative is an extension of the UAE's approach to promoting civilisational dialogue and openness to different cultures, and to entrenching reading as a shared human value that contributes to building more aware, creative and innovative communities. The UAE, guided by its vision of investing in people and knowledge, continues to support qualitative initiatives that help consolidate a culture of reading and encourage innovation and continuous learning.
It also strengthens international partnerships in the cultural and knowledge fields. We are confident that 'Knowledge Break' constitutes an effective platform that brings together readers, intellectuals and researchers in China, contributing to the exchange of expertise, consolidating mutual understanding, and enriching civilisational dialogue between the two countries."
For his part, Jamal bin Huwaireb, Executive Director of the Foundation, affirmed that: "Launching 'Knowledge Break' in China represents a new strategic milestone within our vision of making reading a firmly established daily practice in the lives of individuals and communities. We believe that knowledge is the common denominator that unites peoples regardless of their different languages and cultures, and from this standpoint we continue to work on expanding the initiative's global presence to make it an open platform for dialogue, learning and the exchange of expertise."
He added: "'Knowledge Break' has, over the course of its journey, undergone a qualitative evolution that has made it a successful Arab model for building reading communities and stimulating purposeful intellectual discussions. Today, the launch in China is an extension of the initiative's international expansion, which began outside the UAE in Australia through the cities of Sydney and Melbourne, before continuing its presence in Canada through the city of Toronto. We seek to take this model to wider horizons through strategic partnerships around the world."