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Reading for Pleasure 2025
Based on the success and feedback from 2024, in 2025 we decided to hone in on ‘Beyond the Classroom’, a theme dedicated to exploring reading beyond class lessons to help children discover what fascinates them and ignites their desire to learn more about something. We wanted to bring more locally based experts and speakers and also offer practical workshops where educators and parents could take away implementable best practices. A key area of development was providing more Arabic language sessions and a focus on supporting the Arabic language. We also took a hands on approach to the impact of AI and technology and its influence on reading for pleasure.
Key Speakers
HE Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh
Cultural Advisor to the President, UAE and Chancellor UAE University
HE Omar Al Olama
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications
HE Aisha Miran
Director General KHDA
Sultan Sooud Al Qassimi
Emirati columnist, researcher, and Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation.
Dr Fuzan Al Khalidi
Director of Programs and Initiatives, MBRGI
Dubai Abulhoul
Founder of Fiker Institute
Maryam Al Falahi
Director, Social Policies and Strategies Department, The Executive Council of Dubai
Dr Sharifa Alghowinem
Research Scientist at Personal Robots Group, MIT Media Lab
Dr Abdulla Al Hinaai
Director of Medical Library, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Annie Ho Ting
Board Governor of the Feng Zikai Chinese Children’s Book Award
Isabel Thomas
Award winning science writer, presenter and educator
Michael Asher
author, explorer, historian and educatorAreas of Focus
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