With only 3% of global digital content in Arabic, embedding reading in formal education serves a critical function for long-term market viability.

Abu Dhabi’s Kalima School Reading Club is scaling up its 2026 cultural agenda across government schools, significantly expanding efforts to cultivate Arabic literacy among young readers.

Operated by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) and Emirates Schools Establishment, the programme delivers curated books, workshops, and structured sessions to more institutions this year.

Strategic Context and Policy Alignment

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s National Policy for Reading 2026, designating March as Reading Month and allocating AED 100 million to support literacy nationwide.

The framework mandates curriculum upgrades to embed reading as a “way of life” rather than an extracurricular activity.

Historically recognised for translation, Kalima has shifted towards direct educational engagement since 2018. This reflects a pivot from content production to readership development, addressing concerns about Arabic literacy among Emirati pupils.

Research indicates that despite bilingual education investments, many students prefer English over Modern Standard Arabic (MSA); one study found 96% of parents reported their children preferred reading in English.

Programme Structure and Pedagogical Approach

Schools receive titles selected by specialists, spanning fiction, classics, and heritage works. Teachers train to facilitate analytical discussion over rote memorisation, employing group analysis and creative writing.

The 2026 agenda adds multimedia components to address digital competition. Interactive workshops with writers and illustrators will feature alongside forums and book fairs to generate enthusiasm for reading.

The View From The Beach

For publishing professionals, the programme is a distribution channel and talent pipeline. By introducing pupils to publishing processes, Kalima cultivates future industry participants and builds demand for Arabic content, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s regional hub status.

The initiative addresses structural challenges. With only 3% of global digital content in Arabic, embedding reading in formal education serves a critical function for long-term market viability.

Outcomes and Future Development

Teachers report heightened participation. Institutions have integrated club activities into assemblies or weekly reading periods. Coordinator feedback will inform adjustments to titles and workshops throughout 2026.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.