In today’s fast paced and technology driven world, reading for pleasure has never been more important. Driven by this idea, the Reading for Pleasure conference 2026 brings together some of the most influential voices and experts in their fields to discuss and offer guides to best practice with the overall aim of fostering a love of reading amongst children.
Our carefully selected list of speakers showcases the landscape of reading for pleasure globally, with speakers from across the world who have made it their mission in life to promote reading.
Dr Ahmed Al Kaabi
Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
United Arab Emirates University
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Dr Amani Batakji Chazy
Education Policies Advisor
The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council ·
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Dr Ashraf Moustafa
Assistant Professor in the Department of Special and Gifted Education at the College of Education
United Arab Emirates University
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Dr Fuzan Alkhalidi
Director of Programs and Initiatives
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives
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Gamila Ahmed
Library and Information Specialist
National Medical Library, United Arab Emirates University
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Dr Hala Elhoweris
Professor of Special and Gifted Education
United Arab Emirates University
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Assoc Prof He Sun
Associate Professor
National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Dr Lemya Alhmoudi
Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Special and Gifted Education
United Arab Emirates University
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Mónica Ortega- Leonardo
Spanish Language Instructor
Khalifa University of Science and Technology
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Muna Alwahshi
Learning Resources Center Specialist
Shamma Bint Mohammed School in Al Ain
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Dr Reem Al Gurg
Director of Strategy and Institutional Excellence
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash
Chief Executive Officer
Knowledge and Human Development Authority
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Dr Sameera ِAlhosani
Director
Children’s Library at Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
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Dr Sarah Laura Nesti Willard
Illustrator, Researcher and Educator
United Arab Emirates University
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Shaikha Al Zaabi
Head of Extracurricular Activities Dept for Arts and Arabic Literature
Arabic Language Center
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Dr Prof Tim Mackintosh-Smith
Arabist, Historian, Translator, Novelist, and Author
NYU, Abu Dhabi
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HE Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh
Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE and the Chancellor of United Arab Emirates University
United Arab Emirates University
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