Abu Dhabi: MAKTABA, the Library Management Department under the Culture Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT), has hosted a ceremony at the Cultural Foundation theatre to honor the winners and participants of the 11th Creative Reader Competition.
The award ceremony celebrated the exceptional talents of young readers through inspiring speeches, creative performances, and special prizes. The event was attended by senior officials from DCT Abu Dhabi, along with parents and cultural experts from the emirate.
The 11th edition of the competition took place from early December 2023 to late February 2024 at all library branches in Abu Dhabi and it drew approximately 3,100 participants, reflecting a substantial 40% increase from the previous year. The ceremony honored 100 winners from across the UAE.
نشارككم أبرز اللحظات من حفل توزيع جوائز النسخة الحادية عشرة من مسابقة القارئ المبدع، والذي احتفى بالمواهب الاستثنائية للقراء اليافعين من خلال كلمات ملهمة، عروض إبداعية، وجوائز مميزة.
نهنئ جميع الفائزين والمشاركين على إنجازاتهم وشغفهم في عالم القراءة!#مكتبة #مكتبات_أبوظبي pic.twitter.com/kHS6TcbY4Z
— مكتبـــة | MAKTABA (@ADLibraries) September 27, 2024
This year’s judging panel comprised writers, educators, and librarians who evaluated entries based on criteria such as booklet completion, the number of books borrowed from public libraries, reading comprehension, linguistic and critical analysis, and creative thinking skills.
The ceremony included engaging activities, including readings and discussions, allowing participants to share their experiences and insights with fellow book enthusiasts. The Department of Culture and Tourism remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote literacy and cultural engagement in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying the emirate’s status as a vibrant center for arts and culture.
The Creative Reader Competition aims to foster knowledge within the community and promote regular visits to public libraries. For over a decade, it has attracted young reading enthusiasts from both public and private schools, covering grades from kindergarten to Cycle 2. Participants read books in Arabic and English to gain knowledge and enrich their cultural identity.
As the event concluded, attendees were encouraged to continue their literary journeys and participate in future competitions, fostering a lifelong passion for reading.