Sharjah24: The second edition of the "Mleiha Reads" festival commenced with extensive participation and notable attendance. The opening ceremony yesterday morning featured numerous distinctive segments and a variety of cultural activities.

This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the Mleiha Cultural and Sports Club to foster a love for reading and culture within the community, encouraging students to explore the realms of knowledge and culture. These endeavours align with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his consort, Her Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. Their vision aims to enhance reading, culture, and achieve sustainable development in society.

The festival's objective is to boost the passion for reading and inspire young individuals to relish books while acquiring knowledge and skills. This initiative mirrors the region's dedication to culture and education, fulfilling the emirate's vision of constructing a knowledge-based and sustainable development society.

Several notable figures from the region participated in the event held at the Mleiha Club headquarters, including Dr. Issa Saleh Al Hammadi, Director of the Arabic Language Education Center for the Gulf States, Saleha Ghabsh, Cultural Advisor and Head of the Cultural Office at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, Mubarak Saif Awadh, Director of Mleiha Municipality, Walid Nasser, Director of Mleiha Boys' Secondary School, and Major Yaser Al Dhuhouri, from the Central Region Police Administration, and various attendees and personalities.

His Excellency Mohammed Sultan Al Khasouni, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mleiha Cultural and Sports Club, delivered a welcoming speech, highlighting the festival's significance in promoting the love of reading and culture within the community. He expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his consort, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi.

Al Khasouni stated, "This festival reflects our commitment to enhancing the love of reading and culture in the Mleiha community. We are proud of the wonderful partnerships that contributed to organising this distinctive event in its second year. We extend our thanks to Her Excellency Saleha Ghabsh, the renowned Emirati writer and literary figure, for her gracious presence and continuous support of cultural and literary initiatives. We congratulate her on being chosen as the cultural personality for the festival's second edition."

He continued, " Reading is an integral part of cultural interest, aligning with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, who considers culture and knowledge as fundamental to sustainable development and the advancement of the nation and its people."

During the event, the cultural personality of the festival, Saleha Ghabsh, was honoured for her role and efforts as a symbol of Emirati culture and literature, particularly her dedication to children's book authorship. She holds the position of Cultural Advisor and Head of the Cultural Office at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and is the editor-in-chief of the "Marami" social magazine issued by the Council. Saleha Ghabsh, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language from the Emirates University and a Master's degree from the Faculty of Dar Al-Ulum, Cairo University (1999), has participated in numerous scientific conferences, cultural and artistic festivals, and has received several awards, including the Jewel of Sheikha Jawaher for Outstanding Work, the Outstanding Employee Award from the Government of Sharjah, the Poetry Award from the Center for Arab Women's Studies in 2009, the Social Contributions Award from the Emirates Ladies Award 
in 2012, and the Tariam Imran Appreciation Award from the Board of Trustees of the Tariam Imran Cultural and Humanitarian Award in 2013. She has several published poetry collections, including Awaiting the Sun among dozens of other works.

Additionally, recognition was given to the participating and supporting entities of this distinctive cultural event, including partners such as the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, Kalimat Group, the Sharjah Department of Culture, and the Sharjah Heritage Institute, in appreciation of their involvement in presenting and organising workshops for participating school students.

The festival featured numerous educational and cultural activities, with the audience witnessing the enthusiastic launch of educational workshops and cultural segments. These events provided fruitful opportunities for students to benefit from educational activities and enhance their skills and knowledge.