Oasis Mall Launches “Book World” to Support Dubai's ‘Year of Reading' Initiative

• Books sold at nominal prices
• Free exchange, donation of old and used school books
• Edutainment and fun activities planned for children

Dubai, UAE, October 19, 2016: Oasis Mall, Dubai’s popular community neighbourhood mall on Sheikh Zayed Road, has announced a month-long book drive to support the UAE’s ongoing ‘Year of Reading’ initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in December 2015.

To run from 13 October-12 November 2016, the book drive invites residents and visitors of Dubai and the neighbouring emirates to buy, donate or exchange books spanning varied genres and categories at nominal prices. School books can also be purchased or exchanged as part of the campaign.

Apart from the sale and exchange of books, Oasis Mall has put together a packed weekend agenda aimed at attracting children to the world of reading and literary activities. These include story-telling sessions, painting competitions and puppet shows for the duration of the drive.

Sanjay Kapoor, General Manager at Oasis Mall, said: “We are pleased to extend our support to the UAE’s ‘Year of Reading’ initiative. The importance and relevance of reading in today’s technology-focused world cannot be emphasized enough. The reading habit has increasingly declined as children and young people turn more and more to gadgets in seeking knowledge or entertainment.”

He added: “We believe initiatives such as the book drive go a long way in generating an interest in books, and instilling a habit of reading among young people. Oasis Mall has proactively supported community welfare activities as part of our core mandate. This book drive is our call to the residents of Dubai and the wider UAE to pick up a book and start reading today.”

The year 2016 has been declared the Year of Reading in the UAE. The initiative is aimed at creating a generation of book lovers and consolidate the UAE’s position as a global capital for culture and knowledge.