Initiative supports UAE National Strategy for Reading and enhances Dubai’s position as a cultural destination among passengers

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 11 January, 2017:  Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate's dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Airports to provide reading opportunities for passengers in airport arrival and departure lounges. The project is due for completion by March 2017, to coincide with the UAE’s National Month of Reading.

His Excellency Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, represented Dubai Culture in signing the MoU with His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports.

The MoU outlines Dubai Culture’s commitment to provide e-books and library corners for passengers travelling through Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports, in addition to mini-libraries, books and other reading services. Dubai Culture will also develop complementary programmes for inside the airports that promote the UAE’s cultural and national identity, to sustain the momentum of Dubai’s UAE National Strategy for Reading 2016-2026.

His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “We are confident that our joint efforts with Dubai Culture will further cement Dubai’s reputation as a cultural destination, and highlight the value we place on reading: the foundation of intellectual achievement. The city is renowned for maintaining its unique heritage, while also nurturing a knowledge-based economy that has seen it grow into a modern, cosmopolitan capital. By making reading services accessible throughout the airport, we aim to share this spirit and demonstrate our commitment to the millions of passengers we welcome through Dubai Airports every year.”

His Excellency Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General at Dubai Culture, said: “Dubai Culture is planning a number of initiatives to support the UAE National Strategy for Reading 2016-2026. These initiatives focus on establishing the UAE and Dubai as inspiring hubs of education, learning and knowledge, according to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Our MoU with Dubai Airports will bring reading opportunities to a wide international audience and share the love of reading among all members of the community.”

Al Nabouda added: “Our initiative with Dubai Airports will generate positive first and last impressions of the Emirate among travellers at both Dubai Airports. The initiative also serves to support the city’s cultural sector, develop the integrated national literacy strategy, and establish the UAE as a global leader in the exchange of knowledge and culture.”

To carry out the MoU’s core objectives, Dubai Culture and Dubai Airports will appoint internal coordinators to oversee the delivery of collaborative efforts and continuously measure the results of the initiative. Dubai Culture will also support the promotion of Dubai Airports’ events and cultural activities, via e-mails, advertising materials, and publications for its employees and visitors.

Dubai Culture plays an essential role in establishing Dubai as a global hub, strengthening the cultural identity of the Emirate, promoting creative exchange, and encouraging artistic creativity.