Abu dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has organised two cultural workshops at Al Jami' Library, engaging 45 students from schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This initiative is part of a broader series of seven cultural sessions being conducted by the Centre throughout September and October 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshops are a reflection of the Centre's vision to foster educational and interactive activities aimed at enriching the intellectual and cultural awareness of youth. The initiative is designed to encourage students to engage with the cultural scene of Al Jami' Library. These workshops are conducted under the 'Al Shabab Al Bani' programme, which focuses on nurturing the potential of Emirati youth by refining their intellectual and creative skills through innovative and interactive programmes.
The workshops began with an introductory tour of Al Jami' Library, where students explored the library's sections, collections, and the resources available to researchers and enthusiasts. The sessions covered cultural and artistic themes such as the aesthetics, ornamentation, and history of mosque architecture, and included a practical workshop on using artificial intelligence in story creation. Students participated in a hands-on exercise to write a story about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, reflecting on its history, cultural and humanitarian messages, and distinctive architectural beauty.
Additionally, the workshops featured tours of the Light and Peace Museum and the Diya - A Universe of Light immersive experience, allowing students to explore artefacts and exhibits that showcase the richness of Islamic civilisation and its ongoing dialogue with cultures worldwide.
Al Jami' Library is a leading knowledge hub, housing over 8,000 rare and specialised books and periodicals in 14 languages, along with 31 publications by the Centre in Arab and Islamic culture. Since its establishment in 2010, the library has played a pivotal role in enhancing the UAE's cultural landscape and promoting the contributions of Islamic civilisation to science and the arts. It continues to serve as a bridge of cultural exchange between nations and civilisations through its valuable manuscripts and rare collections.