The United Arab Emirates has always sought, under the guidance of its wise leadership, to establish a culture of scientific knowledge, and to complete the series of cultural, intellectual and knowledge projects that it has been launching since its inception. Accordingly, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, declared 2016 as the Year of Reading, as reading is the primary skill of a new generation of scientists, thinkers, researchers and innovators. This was confirmed with a-first -of -its -kind initiative in the world, issued by His Highness on reading, setting legislative frameworks, implementation. Programs and specific government responsibilities to establish the value of reading.
In addition, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has adopted the national reading strategy until 2026, which includes 30 major national trends in Education, health and culture sectors.
The UAE’s interest in reading was evidenced by the issuance of a Cabinet Resolution, declaring March every year as a National Month of Reading. In this month, federal, local and private entities announce their initiatives, which include a number of activities aimed at enhancing the reading culture among groups of society as daily practice.
The Month of Reading is an opportunity to increase the connection reading interest, as one of the most important capacity building factors, seizing this opportunity to cultivate a love of reading, inference and raising questions. The aim is to develop ones knowledge, activate research programs rather than relying on traditional approaches such as memorization and indoctrination.
The Authority’s response
In response to the directions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources took several practical steps in order to enrich knowledge and encourage its employees to read and acquire knowledge from various sources available in form of paper, electronic, express or implicit. The Authority had formed a Knowledge Management Team, established two libraries: paper and electronic, launched the Reading Club initiative, and created new sections in the monthly HR Magazine promoting good reading habits, under various headings, such as "Food for the Soul" corner. Moreover, and a bulletin was issued under the title: "Flashes of Knowledge,” to motivate employees to enrich their knowledge.
The Authority also prepared strategic plans to encourage reading habits among all of its employees, as well as motivate them to acquire knowledge and keep up with the latest global developments, especially in the areas of human resources and human capital development.