As part of its plan to stimulate the passion for knowledge among all segments of society, especially young adults and children, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library (MBRL) is organizing in December a line-up of events and activities which include a poetry night, reading sessions, book signings, as well as a distinguished program of events celebrating the birth of the world-renowned Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz, to introduce Arab writers and their immortal literary works and encourage reading and knowledge.
On December 12, the Library will host an event titled “Think and Grow Rich” by businesswoman Lana Kattan, shedding light on a book with the same title by the famous American self-help author Napoleon Hill. Kattan will sum up Hill’s ideas in the field of entrepreneurship, his views on the essential features distinguishing inspiring women in this field, and how crucial it is for all women to improve reading and learning skills in different fields. Kattan will also explain how to identify and overcome weaknesses and challenges facing female entrepreneurs.
In line with its strategy responsibility to preserve Arabic literature, culture, and heritage, MBRL celebrates on December 14 and 15 the birthday of the Nobel laureate Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz, highlighting his literature, criticism, and immortal and realistic novels that distinguished him from all the other geniuses of his time. The event will feature a panel discussion on his novel Afrah al-Qubba and a film screening based on one of his novels.
The Naguib Mahfouz Days event will feature an exhibition of many of Mahfouze’s books and publications and a Photo Booth corner. A panel discussion, moderated by author Fathia Al Nimr, featuring Dr. Jamal Maqaba and Egyptian writer and journalist Nasser Iraq, will be organized to answer the question, “Why do we go back to reading Naguib Mahfouz?” This will be followed by a musical performance of the title theme of one of Mahfouze’s televised novels.
On December 19, MBRL will organize a panel discussion moderated by writer Eman Al Hammadi to shed light on the book “The Circle of Spices” by novelist Saleha Obaid, followed by a book signing of the book “Asmaa,” which is translated by Safia Al Shehi, where she will read parts of the book to the attendees.
In celebration of International Arabic Language Day, MBRL will host, on December 19, a poetry recitation evening moderated by writer Salma Al Hafiti featuring Emirati poet Ibrahim Muhammad Ibrahim and Iraqi poet Karim Al Iraqi.
As part of its efforts to encourage discussion and constructive interaction among children visiting the Library, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library organizes, every Friday throughout December, a series of interactive workshops that combine entertainment and learning to develop children’s intellectual skills and spark their passion for reading.
The first event begins on December 9 with an activity titled “My Own Pizza,” which includes a reading of a book titled “How to Eat Pizza,” along with a workshop on how to make pizza using craft materials, in addition to free reading activities in which children can read pictorial books.
On December 16, MBRL will host an event titled “We Love Lions,” where the Library staff will read a story titled “How to Hide a Lion.” The event will also feature a workshop on making different shapes using craft materials, followed by free reading of books on lions and their natural habitats.
The Library also organizes on December 23 an event titled “I am a Star” to provide children with information about space in the form of questions and answers, followed by a free reading of some books that shed light on the field of astronomy, in addition to a workshop to teach children how to draw the sky and stars.
MBRL wraps up its children’s events and workshops on December 30 with an activity titled “Book Elements and Parts,” which explains and discusses the elements and parts of books, followed by a training workshop on how to write a story.
Since its inauguration, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library has been focusing on financial culture, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, organizing periodical interactive lectures to enrich the financial and intellectual aspects of individuals in the Business Library.