Dubai, UAE, March 28, 2026: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library organised a virtual panel discussion via Zoom titled 'Make Reading a Habit', in collaboration with the 'Paper and Pen' initiative, and with the participation of several young Emirati writers: Suroor Abdulwahid, Fatima AlAleeli, Fatima AlFalasi, and Abdulhadi Taqi.

 

With active engagement from participants, the session addressed the importance of reading in our daily lives and how it can be transformed from an occasional activity into a sustainable habit that shapes our personalities, thinking, and identity.

 

The writers also shared their personal experiences in selecting books that develop critical thinking and emphasised the importance of books that stimulate curiosity and encourage reflection and deep thought. They also discussed self-development books and whether they offer real value or merely exaggerated promises.

 

The discussion further addressed the daily challenges readers face, such as lack of time, busy personal commitments, and distraction caused by social media, as well as ways to overcome these obstacles and make reading a natural part of the daily routine. The writers encouraged the audience to try simple strategies, such as setting aside a short time each day for reading and associating it with personal rituals that make it enjoyable rather than a heavy obligation.

 

The session also explored how different modes of engagement affect the reading experience-whether traditional reading, listening (audiobooks), or digital reading-and how each format influences comprehension and concentration.

 

The session concluded with live interaction with the audience, giving them the opportunity to share their favourite books, discuss their challenges in maintaining a reading habit, and explore ways to make reading a consistent part of their daily lives.

 

This session supports the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library's efforts to promote reading and make it a habit among community members, in line with its strategic vision of building a knowledgeable community. The Library also reaffirmed its commitment to offering quality initiatives that empower individuals to access knowledge and enhance the role of reading as a tool for lifelong learning and self-development.