Abu Dhabi reading club brings nearly 70 nationalities together at Zayed National Museum

Ninety-seven readers from across 69 countries convened at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum on Monday, forming the largest book club ever recorded by Guinness World Records. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Kalima Reading Club, participants congregated to analyze the literary work "Bedouin and Abbasid Cultural Identities: The Arabic Majnun Layla Story" penned by Ruqayya Yasmine Khan.

This marked the club’s inaugural record-setting event and a broader initiative to engage various UAE communities through literature.

Saeed Al Tunaiji, executive director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, emphasized that promoting reading is a core objective. He explained that encouraging and supporting reading is crucial for the spread and strengthening of Arabic language and culture. "How can Arabic spread and become stronger in society, in spoken language and in other areas?

I think today one of the most important elements supporting this is to focus on reading sessions, on the reading club, and also to attract different age groups," Al Tunaiji told The National.

The chosen book, Khan’s exploration of the cultural and historical evolution of the Majnun-Layla love story, captivated the audience due to its rich history and universal themes. Al Tunaiji highlighted its significance, noting, "This story and this book deal with the cultural identities of the Bedouin and Abbasid periods, and even the influence of international cultures in shaping regional stories."

He further stressed the historical intrigue surrounding the evolution of the narrative and its assimilation into Arab society.

This record-breaking session is part of an ongoing effort by the Kalima Reading Club, initiated in 2018 as part of the Kalima translation project established in 2007. The club conducts regular reading sessions at schools, universities, and public events, fostering engagement across diverse age groups and societal sectors. Al Tunaiji elaborated on the club’s multifaceted activities, including weekly sessions during the school term and university engagements, aiming to reach various segments of society.

Following the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which concluded on Sunday, the Centre observed an attendance surge that exceeded projections, with registrations doubling expectations. Al Tunaiji attributed this success to the fair’s diverse activities and the enthusiastic response from both publishers and attendees. The fair’s vibrant, elegant atmosphere was commended by participants, who described it as a resounding success.

Looking ahead, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre plans to return to the Frankfurt Book Fair with insights from the "From Kalima to the World" initiative, launched last year to facilitate the translation of Arabic books into other languages. Al Tunaiji expressed satisfaction with the achievements and partnerships forged during the fair, noting the reciprocal flow of translation efforts from various languages into Arabic. He envisions a future where Arabic literature and language continue to bridge cultural divides.