Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Hosts Cultural Workshops for Abu Dhabi Students

Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre recently organized two cultural workshops at its Mosque Library, attended by 39 students from various schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. These workshops, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, are part of a four-session series scheduled throughout April and May 2025. According to Emirates News Agency, the workshops are part of the 'Al Shabab Al Banie' program, which focuses on youth and younger generations, whom the late Founding Father of the UAE considered the true wealth of the nation. The program aims to enrich intellectual and cultural awareness among young people through educational and interactive activities. The workshops aim to create a promising generation by fostering an environment that encourages creative and innovative thinking. They also aim to attract younger audiences to the Mosque Library, establishing it as a cultural haven. Each session began with a tour of the Mosque Library, where students explored its collections and services. The workshops covered topics such as the importance of reading, cultivating a passion for literature among children, and choosing suitable books. They also delved into the historical significance of maps, their uses, and explored ornamentation and calligraphy. Students also participated in guided tours of the Light and Peace Museum and the Diya - A Universe of Light immersive experience. These tours allowed them to explore books and artifacts that highlight the richness of Islamic civilization and its interaction with other cultures. The Mosque Library, established in 2010, serves as a gateway for exploring Islamic civilization's contributions to art and knowledge. It houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts, thanks to the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who donated nearly 3,000 valuable books and periodicals in 14 languages. The library features the Centre's 27 publications on Arab and Islamic culture, promoting values of tolerance and coexistence. It also h ouses rare books, including a Latin volume from 1790 on an Arab celestial sphere. Additionally, the library preserves over 50,000 microfilm copies of Arabic manuscripts, offering resources on Islamic sciences.