The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has officially launched the ‘Knowledge Lounge’ in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. This initiative is part of the National Reading Month 2025 activities, which operate under the theme ‘The UAE Reads’. Collaborating with the Federal Youth Authority of the UAE, represented by the Emirates Global Youth Council in Australia, the project aims to enhance knowledge sharing and expand educational opportunities for Emirati and Arab youth living abroad, particularly for international students.

This initiative underscores MBRF’s commitment to expanding its global outreach through innovative programs that enrich the knowledge landscape for young Emiratis and Arabs. The launch of the ‘Knowledge Lounge’ represents a significant step in fostering cultural and intellectual discussions among youth on a global scale. The lounge acts as a platform for knowledge sharing, serving as a catalyst for creativity and innovation internationally.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, the CEO of MBRF, emphasized the event’s significance in forming a global knowledge community driven by creativity. He noted that the launch in two Australian cities is essential for promoting knowledge and intellectual engagement among communities. H.E. bin Huwaireb stated, “We aim to open new avenues for Emirati and Arab youth abroad by providing them with a dynamic platform that brings them together, enhances their knowledge and expertise, and strengthens their connection to their roots.”

In addition, he expressed MBRF’s commitment to National Reading Month, highlighting their belief in knowledge’s transformative power in community development. He added that events encouraging a reading culture contribute to the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for knowledge and intellectual excellence.

His Excellency Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, remarked on the UAE leadership’s commitment to knowledge as a cornerstone for building a skilled workforce. He noted that fostering a culture of reading is a national priority, with strategies to integrate reading into daily life. Al Nuaimi stressed the importance of youth in supporting national goals, stating that the ‘Knowledge Lounge’ encourages Emirati youth to engage in cultural exchange with the Arab knowledge community and promotes global creative collaborations.

Noor Al Ali, President of the Emirates Global Youth Council in Australia, highlighted the importance of knowledge for youth development, especially for students studying abroad. She stated that the council is honored to be part of this initiative, which serves as a vital platform for cross-cultural interaction. Al Ali emphasized that the initiative empowers students to explore new ideas while nurturing creativity and innovative thinking.

The Knowledge Lounge is a key initiative by MBRF dedicated to knowledge sharing. It offers a platform for expert-led sessions across various disciplines and promotes reading as an essential daily habit. Participants can engage in discussions with authors, coaches, and specialists, refining their analytical skills.

In its commitment to promoting a reading culture, the Knowledge Lounge aspires to be a hub for innovative ideas, bringing together young minds to foster creativity. Last year, MBRF hosted over 40 knowledge sessions under this initiative, covering numerous topics and featuring respected figures from the literary and publishing sectors.