Dubai Library Hosts Virtual Reading Habit Session

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-03-30

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library recently brought people together online for something special. They hosted a virtual panel discussion called "Make Reading a Habit," and honestly, it hit on a topic we all think about but rarely act on. How do you turn that occasional book into a daily ritual? That's exactly what they explored. Partnering with the "Paper and Pen" initiative, the session featured voices you need to hear: young Emirati writers Suroor Abdulwahid, Fatima AlAleeli, Fatima AlFalasi, and Abdulhadi Taqi. These aren't just authors; they're people living the reader's life, trying to fit pages into busy schedules just like the rest of us. ### Why Reading Habits Matter More Than Ever Let's be real. In a world of endless notifications and 30-second videos, sitting down with a book feels almost rebellious. The panel dug into why that rebellion is worth it. Reading isn't just about information. It's about shaping who you are. It changes how you think, how you see problems, and even how you talk to yourself. The writers talked about reading as a form of identity building. It's not a passive hobby. It's an active conversation with different perspectives, histories, and imaginations. Every book you finish leaves a little mark on you, whether you realize it or not.  ### From Occasional Reader to Habitual Thinker So, how do you make the jump? The discussion was packed with practical ideas, moving past vague advice like "just read more." It's about building a system that works for your life, not someone else's ideal. - **Start stupidly small.** Don't aim for a chapter. Aim for five minutes. The goal is consistency, not volume. A few pages every day builds a stronger habit than a 100-page marathon once a month that leaves you exhausted. - **Tie it to an existing routine.** Pair your reading with your morning coffee or right before bed. This "habit stacking" makes it easier to remember and harder to skip. - **Carry your book everywhere.** Dead time is reading time. Waiting in line, sitting on the bus, those ten minutes before a meeting starts—they all add up. - **Quit books you hate.** This was a big one. Life's too short to force yourself through a book that isn't working for you. Putting it down frees you up to find one you'll actually enjoy. One of the writers shared a thought that stuck with me. They said, "A reading habit isn't about collecting books; it's about collecting ways of thinking." That shift in perspective—from consumption to connection—changes everything. ### The Personal Stories Behind the Pages The heart of the session came when the writers shared their own journeys. This wasn't theoretical. They talked about the books that changed them, the struggles to find time, and the moments a story perfectly mirrored their own life. That relatability is powerful. They discussed how their reading habits directly fuel their writing. You can't output creativity without input. Reading widely, across genres and cultures, is the best writing workshop you'll ever find. It teaches rhythm, vocabulary, and storytelling without you even noticing. The virtual format, hosted on Zoom, actually helped. People from all over could join without travel, making the conversation more accessible. The chat was buzzing with questions and shared tips, proving that even online, a community of readers can thrive. Building a reading habit is a personal project with universal benefits. It's not about being "well-read" in a stuffy sense. It's about giving your mind a space to wander, to empathize, and to grow. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library's session served as a fantastic reminder and a practical guide. The tools are there. The next page is yours to turn.