The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, in partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has launched the ‘Zad Rashid’ initiative to promote a culture of reading among children and strengthen national and linguistic identity.

At the heart of the initiative is the distribution of 1,000 curated home libraries, each containing 25 books, with 80% written by Emirati authors and 20% by Arab writers residing in the UAE. The selection reflects a commitment to supporting local literature and fostering a creative, knowledge-driven society.

Aligned with the ‘Year of Community’ campaign and launched under the theme ‘Hand in Hand,’ the initiative reflects the shared goals of the CDA and Dubai Culture to instill cultural and educational values in younger generations and build an informed, cohesive society.

‘Zad Rashid’ promotes reading as an engaging alternative to screen time, encouraging critical thinking, language development, and increased interaction with public libraries.

As part of the program, 25 Emirati families received a complete home library in recognition of their active participation in the Dubai Public Library Network.

The initiative will also include a panel discussion titled The Importance of Reading in Building an Informed Society, featuring Emirati authors, children, and parents to foster dialogue and inspire future literary talent.

The program aims to reduce children’s reliance on digital media by offering meaningful, enriching alternatives that nurture imagination, dialogue, and critical thinking.

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the CDA, described the initiative as a long-term cultural investment, while Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, emphasized the role of reading in driving societal development.

“Reading is the key to learning, and one of the fundamental tools for societal development and human empowerment,” she stated. “The initiative aligns with our sectoral priorities to support and empower creative talents and shed light on the role of Emirati authors in highlighting the country’s rich history and authentic Emirati culture.”