Kalimat and du host engaging and interactive summer reading sessions

As part of its drive to help children discover the joy of books, Kalimat- the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated to publishing and distributing quality Arabic children’s books, is hosting a series of engaging and interactive public summer reading sessions at libraries across Dubai in partnership with du, as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities.

The award-winning publishing house kicked off its summer reading campaign, in cooperation with du at the Al Rashidiya Public Library in Dubai on 26^th June, with author Noura Noman treating children to readings from her books, Qutta and Kiwi.

Kalimat’s campaign will continue with two readings by author Maitha Al Khayat from her book Tareeqati Al Khassa on 6 July at Al Safa, and on 13^th July at Umm Suqeim in Dubai, respectively.

Speaking of the summer reading campaign, Kalimat Founder and CEO Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “What better way is there to help children discover the joy of books than to read aloud to them? Our summer reading sessions are aimed at developing a taste for books among children and through exposure to these engaging, interactive reading experiences, we believe that they will fall in love with reading and the Arabic language.”

On behalf of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Mrs. Iman Ismail Al Balooshi said: “We are delighted to be supporting Kalimat’s summer reading campaign, which not only promotes reading, but also helps children develop a true understanding of our wonderful language from an early age. It is a noble objective, and one that the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is happy to endorse.”

“Promoting the use of Arabic language amongst our children is a vital step to preserving our culture,” commented Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du. “We’re proud to support Kalimat in this all-important venture, which falls in-line with our own Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. It is important to instil a love and understanding of Arabic literature in children who will make up tomorrow’s Emirati community, into whose hands will fall the responsibility of upholding our rich, vibrant and unique culture.”

The titles chosen for the readings form part of Kalimat’s extensive collection of quality children’s books and are geared towards teaching children about their world in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

In Noman’s Al Qutta Qutna, a little girl describes her cat and the special times they spend together while Al Qunfuth Kiwi tells the story of a group of children who come across a hedgehog during their adventures. 

Al Khayat’s Tareeqati Al Khassa tells the story of Hamda, who longs to wear a hijab and has fun trying out different ways to tie a sheila with her four sisters. While this book draws from a Muslim and Middle Eastern background, it is highly appealing to readers of both Arab and non-Arab origin. In fact, the book’s rights have been sold to Orion for translation into all languages except Arabic.

As part of its summer campaign, Kalimat is offering a 10% discount on Kalimat Book Club membership fees for those who join before 31^st July. Book Club members receive a carefully chosen age-appropriate book every month, and can benefit from other services, including a quarterly newsletter, a dedicated Facebook page, exclusive invitations to events, as well as discounts on Kalimat books too. 

Kalimat is the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated solely to publishing and distributing high-quality Arabic books for children aged 0 to 16 years. With a portfolio of internationally acclaimed authors and illustrators, Kalimat’s extensive range of books highlights traditional Arabic culture alongside the modern challenges faced by today’s children.

du’s partnership with Kalimat began in 2010 and is inspired by a passion to further develop the reading habits of young readers by engaging them with invigorating Arabic literature. Together, du and Kalimat have participated in several events, including book signings and launches for titles such as Abir Ballan’s Fie Al Ittihad Al Quwa, activities for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, National Day and International Children’s Book Day, as well as taking part in the Sharjah and Abu Dhabi Book Fairs.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, du is actively involved in promoting initiatives which promote the culture and heritage of the UAE, and developing children’s love of literature in their native tongue is an important aspect of preserving the Arabic language for generations to come.