Reading can reshape the Arab personality: H.E. Reem Al Hashemi.

H.E.Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Co-operation, has highlighted that the Month of Reading Initiative, which was launched by the UAE leadership, has transformed reading into a daily routine that will contribute in reshaping the Arab personality.

"We should not only be interested in reading during this month. However, we must use this month as a starting point to motivate Arab citizens to consider reading as a daily routine," Al Hashemi said.

She highlighted the importance of public and private institutions in providing employees with the time to read and share knowledge with their colleagues, for this behaviour to become a permanent habit.

She recommended reading publications that address national pillars and reinforce Arab and Islamic identity to Arab readers.

She also stressed the importance of focussing on capacity development and communication with others on reading materials. She then recommended the learning of foreign languages and openness to other cultures, by reading major literary works about these cultures.

She stated that culture is the foundation of building a conscious personality while pointing out the importance of awareness about the events taking place around of the world and their effects on our communities.

That statement was part of her participation in the Emirates News Agency, WAM, initiatives for the Month of Reading, where it published the titles of major books as recommended by national ministers and senior officials, to create a comprehensive database for readers.

She added that reading is considered a major factor in building personality and developing knowledge, which requires constant development to enlarge the scope of knowledge and awareness.