Dubai Customs contributes 3,000 books for Dubai Mall visitors

Dubai - The move is part of Dubai Customs promising drive 'Dubai Reads' to gift 10,000 books for Dubai Mall visitors till the end of this December

People mostly go to malls to shop, eat, drink or have fun. But, Dubai Mall visitors have experienced something different this time. They had an extra chance to go home with four free different books.  
The move is part of Dubai Customs promising drive 'Dubai Reads' to gift 10,000 books for Dubai Mall visitors till the end of this December, according to a senior official here. 
Shaikha Masoud, a training specialist with Dubai Customs, who initiated the campaign, said they have so far distributed 3,000 books in neat bags that contained four different books each. 
"The move, run in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, is a response to the National Reading Law and the directives of the UAE prudent leadership to build a better future and support knowledge economy." 

The Campaign at Dubai Mall saw a great turnout from different visitors who crowded at Dubai Customs stand in the mall to get their knowledge bags, she added. "Such initiatives will enhance the UAE's cultural side following the steps and vision of our wise leaders." 
Since the launch of Dubai Reads Campaign in the second week of November more than 7,000 books have been distributed in different places in Dubai which included the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Health Authority, public parks, local universities and schools, and shopping malls, Masoud stated. 
30-year-old Egyptian engineer, Essam Mohammed, told Khaleej Times that it was a nice touch from Dubai Customs to spread this culture and come closer to the audience. "I believe will read this time, there is no excuse." 
24-year-old Abdullah Al Wakeel, a Syrian teacher, said it was a timely drive as it has become so rare to see someone reading. "Reading is just like food and water for me, my wife, and four kids."
Praying tributes to the drive, 20-year-old university student Ibrahim Abdulqader, said he is a big fan of reading books. "I already have lots of e-books, but paper ones remain on top, no matter they are in Arabic or."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai