Cairo: The Embassy of the UAE in Cairo, in cooperation with the National Library and Archives, organised a seminar on reading in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) during the 57th Cairo International Book Fair. The seminar took place at the National Library and Archives platform and was attended by Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, alongside children’s literature writer Samah Abu Bakr Ezzat, various intellectuals, media professionals, and visitors.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al-Zaabi stressed that reading remains fundamental to human development, with AI and modern technology serving as supportive tools rather than replacements for human intellect. He highlighted the deep cultural and intellectual ties between the UAE and Egypt, acknowledging Egypt’s leadership in publishing and reading.
Al-Zaabi discussed the Emirati initiatives promoting a culture of reading, such as the National Policy for Reading 2026, the designation of March as official Reading Month, and the Arab Reading Challenge initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He commended the significant Egyptian participation in this cultural endeavor.
He also reflected on the cultural vision of the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, emphasizing the enduring importance of books in building civilisation and humanity. Al-Zaabi noted that this vision continues under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where culture is a national project and reading is seen as a civilisational policy.
Writer Samah Abu Bakr Ezzat highlighted the role of reading as a gateway to the future for children’s minds, asserting that books are essential friends in shaping children’s conscience and shielding them from virtual distractions.
