Dubai, UAE - 2 May 2023: In May, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library continue to enrich the cultural scene with a prestigious lineup of events, reading and discussion groups, and prestigious educational workshops. This is consistent with MBRL's overarching plan to encourage a love of reading and the advancement of knowledge and culture among all members of society, with the aim of supporting MBRL's vision for the next 50 years.

MBRL extends an open invitation to all interested individuals, intellectuals, and community members to participate in its extensive and varied programmes, which combine reading, entertainment, and education, while supporting the development of creative talents across all fields. 

“Coffee and Book” and Panel Discussions
As part of the Arts and media Library's regular 'Coffee and Book' events, author Nawal Al-Shawi will engage in a discussion about the themes in her book 'Abaqah Al-Haneen,' which tells the stories of several women in the Emirate of Dubai who represent various cultures and traditions in daily life. The book offers numerous recipes that reflect the culture of food and cooking as well as its function in fostering and bolstering relationships between various people.

A group of professionals with an interest in sustainability will participate in the second 'Coffee and Book' session, held at the Business Library and under the theme 'Sustainability Dialogue'. This session comes as a continuation of the 'Role of Youth in Achieving Sustainability” session, and discusses practical applications of sustainability, complementing MBRL’s strategy to support the activities, initiatives, and events of the 'Year of Sustainability 2023' announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. Several outstanding Zayed University environmental sciences and sustainability students will participate in the session, including Sheikha Al Shaafar, Shamma Al Ameri, and Maitha Bin Shafia.
MBRL also organises the second session of the reading evenings series, with the participation of Emirati novelists and short story writers who have published their first or second books. The event will see authors read some stories from their collections in a special evening. This is done in conjunction with the Emirati Writer's Day, recognising the works of writers and creators, and encouraging them to continue their literary production. The session will feature a group of writers, including: Salman Al-Hammadi, Khaled Al-Mazmi, Omran Muhammad Hussein, Aisha Al-Dhaheri, Menna Ibrahim Al-Badr, Moza Al-Balushi, Jaber Al-Khalsan Al-Nuaimi, and Amal Al-Nuaimi.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Library's Information Centre will host a panel discussion with Khalfan Hilal bin Dhaher Al Muhairi, a young Emirati who has graduated from both the UAE Government Leadership Programme and the Innovation Leaders Programme in the government sector. In this session, Al Muhairi, who has a keen interest in modern technology for people of determination, will provide insight into his upbringing, childhood, education, and life. Al Muhairi will also present his professional and practical experiences, the difficulties he has encountered, and explain how to use gadgets for people of determination in the information centre. 

Library Days
MBRL organises an event called 'Sheikh Zayed Days' as part of the periodic Library Days activities, and in honour of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul. This event includes a discussion of the book “100 Stories About Sheikh Zayed” by Emirati author Mohammed Al Habsi, in collaboration with Emirati reading clubs. The book stands out for its high-quality documentation of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's life, outlining key facets of his personality and his interpersonal interactions with the local community. 

The programme also includes a 'Singing Hour' on the Library stage, where poetic and musical readings of some of the late Sheikh Zayed's poems will be performed.

Workshops
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library is hosting a variety of workshops in May that will advance the knowledge and perspectives of the general public, adults, and kids alike. The first event will see MBRL hosting an interactive workshop called 'Discover Yourself with Drawing' in the White Hall with Emirati trainer Fatima Omar, a specialist in art and family and social relationships. The event focuses on the impact of the surrounding environment on us, our ideas, and concepts, and whether we can choose the level of this impact and isolate it when it does not suit us.

MBRL will also host a two-day workshop with author Nadia Al-Najjar titled 'When We Were Young - Creative Writing Workshop' that will concentrate on creative writing techniques for capturing a child's inner voice on paper. 

The 'Home Agricultural Workshop,' hosted by MBRL in partnership with 'Bastanika,' the largest closed farm in the world run by Emiratis, includes a lecture on the UAE's food security for those interested in and working in the field. Additionally, the lecture will cover growing leafy vegetables, proper soil maintenance, the best tools, and a number of other gardening advice that will help you grow healthy plants in the backyard.

In collaboration with the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA), MBRL hosts the 'Know Your Rights As An Author' workshop in observance of World Intellectual Property Day. The event aims to spread knowledge about author rights, how to secure intellectual property rights, and how to safeguard authors' and publishers' copyrights, while allowing legal reuse of works. A ceremony to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between MBRL and ERRA will take place after the session.