As the Year of Reading approaches its end, a new reading law has been passed to ensure the sustainability of the project. The unprecedented law that has been announced by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, not only puts more responsibility on schools to encourage pupils to read, but gives employees the right to have some time off work to read. It also provides support for publishers, editors and authors.
The law targets three important segments. The first one includes schoolchildren. Quite rightly so, as the habit of reading ought to develop at a young age. Studies show that young readers are likely to grow up to become lifelong readers. But the question is how to encourage young people to read books when there are many other attractive means of entertainment? It’s important that schools present reading as a fun activity and not just as a required task. Children ought to be encouraged to choose books according to their interests.
The second segment is adult employees. Giving employees a break to read will encourage more people to pick up books. One reason why many employees don’t read is their hectic personal and social lives. This is why it makes sense to give them a reading break. And anything that removes obstacles to this effort must be welcomed.
The third includes publishers, editors and writers. Removing fees and taxes for distributing, publishing and printing reading material and creating an environment for a healthy competition – not to mention removal of bureaucracy – will encourage more people to enter the industry. At the same time, it’s important that we support the production of local content, encourage their translation and make them accessible to everyone.
Finally, having a dedicated national fund to promote reading will also ensure the sustainability of initiatives such as the Arab Reading Challenge. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said, the year 2016 marks the start of "a cultural change among generations". This can only be celebrated.