The United Arab Emirates has taken another big step to promote reading.
Taxes and fees for the purposes of distributing, publishing and printing of reading materials have been removed via a new "reading law," in an effort to promote a culture of knowledge and reading throughout the UAE.
"Reading material will be exempted from any fees or taxes for the purposes of distribution, publishing and printing. The law offers support for the publishing sector, and also provides facilities for authors and editors," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the UAE said in a tweet.
In addition to removing taxes, the new law requires the government to give each newborn a "knowledge briefcase." Schools will be encouraged to promote reading initiatives, employees will be allowed and encouraged to read pertinent materials during working hours and a national fund will be created to support reading initiatives.
"Our goal is to prepare generations that work towards excelling and achieving the vision of the UAE, which since its inception has recognized the importance of knowledge, science and culture, and harnessed them in the best interests of the homeland and Emiratis," Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, said announcing the law, according to The National.
Sheikh Mohammed called the law "an unprecedented cultural and legislative initiative." He explained that the new law would also encourage the private sector to invest in making reading materials available everywhere, whether in coffee shops or shopping malls.
The law comes just following the conclusion of a year-long Arab reading challenge, announced by Sheikh Mohammed last year. Some three and a half million Arab youth competed in the challenge, with awards and monetary prizes given to recognize 18 participants.
In response to a letter praising the challenge by prominent novelist and poet Paolo Coelho, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the extensive legacy of books, knowledge and learning that has long emanated from the Arab world.
"We became a beacon for humanity, and paved the way for the European Renaissance. Did you know, Paulo, that in the 9th century, our region had over 100 publishing houses on the outskirts of Baghdad alone? Those publishing houses published thousands of books. They were also home to more than just publishers; they were cultural hubs where scientists, researchers, intellectuals and translators from myriad religions, civilisations and walks of life gathered to share ideas and debate. We also had a ‘House of Wisdom’, which housed over a million books, and where hundreds of writers and thinkers lived. When its life was centred around books, Baghdad was, my friend, a beacon in the worlds of astronomy, medicine, mathematics and philosophy," Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
Through the reading law and initiatives like the reading challenge, the UAE aims to firmly re-establish the region as a cultural hub for knowledge and learning.