The Mohammed bin Rashid Library (MBRL) has donated 5,000 books in Arabic and English to national service recruits in the armed forces, reinforcing its mission to spread knowledge and promote a reading culture. This donation is part of the “A World Reads” initiative, aligned with Reading Month.

Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Mazrooei, Board Member of the MBRL Foundation, emphasized that the initiative reflects the library’s commitment to fostering reading and intellectual growth among the nation’s youth, aiming to nurture a creative and informed society equipped to tackle future challenges.

He also emphasized that promoting reading among armed forces recruits not only enriches their knowledge but also prepares them to become impactful leaders in the future.

Since its inception in April 2023, the initiative has reached over a quarter of a million beneficiaries. The library has donated 80,000 books to more than 200 institutions and schools. Additionally, the library is encouraging publishers and cultural organizations to contribute books in support of this initiative.

Cultural donations in the UAE have long been a tradition, with significant contributions from various institutions. The country’s commitment to promoting culture and knowledge is evident in its philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of MBRL and its role in the Arab Reading Challenge, which has led to the donation of millions of books across the Arab world.

In 2021, the UAE donated over three million books to communities in need through initiatives like the “Books for All” campaign aimed at providing educational resources to underserved populations. The country also hosts numerous cultural festivals and events, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, which brings together publishers, authors, and cultural organizations from around the world, further cementing the UAE’s role as a regional cultural hub.