The average adult in the UAE reads about six books a year, a survey has revealed.
The results of the UAE National Reading Index 2021, which were released on Sunday, measure the reading habits of Emiratis and residents.
Nearly 4,000 citizens and residents across the seven emirates participated in the research by the Ministry of Culture and Youth. Among those surveyed were 150 writers, more than 3,000 students and 800 teachers and parents.
Results showed that the average number of books read per capita annually in the UAE among writers is 10, while other adults read about six per year.
The reading index is the first-of-its-kind project in the Arab region, and a way to help build a knowledge-based society
Noura Al Kaabi,
Minister of Culture and Youth
Also, 81 per cent of respondents said that there was encouragement from one or both parents to read from childhood.
The study showed this percentage was highest among Europeans and North Americans at 88 per cent and then Emiratis at 84.9 per cent.
More than half of the participants read digital materials and 40.4 per cent read printed materials.
Social media platforms are popular among Emiratis and residents, with 84.5 per cent of respondents saying that modern technology and social networking sites have motivated them to read more, and 88.1 per cent who read on social media platforms daily.
People in Ras Al Khaimah scored highest in the category of readers who prefer electronic devices.
Religious books ranked first as the most preferred books in the UAE at 37 per cent, followed by novels at 33 per cent and books about history and politics at 31.8 per cent.
Science books ranked the lowest, with only 26.1 per cent choosing to read them.
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said the index was part of the National Reading Plan, which aimed to make reading a way of life in Emirati society by 2026.
“It is the first-of-its-kind project in the Arab region, and a way to help build knowledge-based society and prepare plans and strategies for community development,” she said.
“It’s a key addition to enrich the Arab Knowledge Project and helps stakeholders to contribute to its development.
“The index will measure the success of the national reading strategy in achieving its objectives and help in the development of the necessary policies to contribute to the cultural development of the country.”
Hanan Mansoor Ahli, director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said the index would help policymakers to launch initiatives that promoted a culture of reading.
“It’s an accurate reflection of how much UAE communities read, which helps greatly in supporting policies and plans in the areas of reading and knowledge development in society,” she said.
“The accuracy of the statistical data will ensure the success of this national project for which we are proud to partner with the Ministry of Culture and Youth, thereby affirming the team spirit between UAE government entities.”
Globally, India read the most, followed by Thailand and China, according to the last published World Culture Score Index.
People in India spent, on average 10.42 hours reading per week, followed by Thai people with 9.24 and Chinese at 8 hours.
Arab Reading Challenge 2021 final - in pictures
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
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What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
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How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
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Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
UK%20-%20UAE%20Trade
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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