The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi has announced the opening of registrations for the fifth edition of the 'Creative Reader Competition 2017/2018'.

Registration will remain open until the end of November, while registration forms are also available in all branches of Dar Al Kutub, National Library, facilities in Abu Dhabi.

The competition aims to spread the culture of reading and passion for knowledge among school students and members of society in general, to complement the work being carried out by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.

The department works to a strategy that highlights the imperative role of Arabic as an intellectual and cultural incubator, encourages creativity in the field of reading, directs attention towards children’s literature, enriches the literary scene and spreads cultural and societal values among members of society.

Abdulla Majid Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the National Library Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said, "This competition comes in alignment with our initiatives and activities that help support reading, encourage the acquisition of books and the appreciation of creative minds. It is also our belief that this age group deserves great attention, appreciation and support for their talents, and aims to encourage them to read and instill the habit of reading in them.

"The competition promotes awareness and interest in books and publications, especially as it is responsible for developing intellectual and linguistic abilities of individuals, and preparing them for dialogue and communication to enable them to contribute to the march of society. Reading also acts as the main everlasting source for learning and the natural and real doorway into culture."

Al Ali added, "The achievements of the competition over the past five years have contributed to the development of children's reading interests and have enabled them to experience critical reading, which has consolidated the efforts to make libraries a destination for every student and reader of different age groups."