DUBAI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured 45 Emirati individuals and entities that contributed to the UAE Year of Reading.
At the UAE Pioneers Award 2016 ceremony on Monday to coincide with the 45th National Day celebrations, Sheikh Mohammed said: “Today we honoured pioneers and supporters of culture and reading in the UAE. We are proud of their contributions that have helped develop a new generation of readers and intellectuals, and we look forward to what they will offer to support the future of the UAE and its sustainable development.
“Their contributions will help enhance our country’s growth as a global knowledge and cultural centre.”
At the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed received the book My Beautiful Farm from Hafsa Sorour, a 16 year-old who is considered the youngest Emirati published author.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed launched the UAE Smart Library, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development in the presence of minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak.
The library is an online resource for employees of ministries and federal agencies.
Among those honoured for their contributions to the Year of Reading was The National's sister newspaper Aletihad, which won the best newspaper for providing logistical support.
The award was received by Mohammed Al Hammadi, Editor-in-Chief of Aletihad, who accepted the award on behalf of Abu Dhabi Media.
This year was declared the Year of Reading following an announcement by President Sheikh Khalifa.
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