In a quiet corner of a bustling café in Abu Dhabi, a group of women gathers every Friday evening—not for tea, but to talk about books that shape their lives. The UAE’s growing community of book clubs is doing far more than encouraging reading; it’s creating spaces for Women to find their voices, connect across cultures, and lead change—one chapter at a time.
Across cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Ain, women from different walks of life are joining book clubs not only to read, but to discuss, challenge, and empower one another. One such group leading this movement is SheReads UAE, a grassroots initiative that has grown into a nationwide platform of inspiration and support.
Where Words Become Power
Founded in 2018 by Emirati entrepreneur and educator Ayesha Al Marzouqi, SheReads UAE began as a modest book circle of five women. It now has over 3,000 active members, including local Emiratis, expats, university students, working professionals, and mothers looking for community and inspiration.
The idea was simple: to create a safe space for women to talk about literature and, through it, talk about their lives. But what emerged was far more powerful.
“I wanted to build something that didn’t just focus on the act of reading, but on how reading changes us,” Ayesha shares. “Through our stories, we’ve helped each other find courage, clarity, and connection.”
From timeless classics like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to modern Arabic authors and contemporary feminist literature, the club’s reading list is as diverse as its members. Monthly selections often spark deep conversations around personal growth, mental health, career development, motherhood, and identity.
From Book Discussions to Bold Decisions
What sets SheReads UAE apart is how it seamlessly blends personal development into its literary discussions. Meetings often conclude with exercises in reflection, journaling, or action planning, enabling women to apply lessons from literature to their daily lives.
Over time, the club evolved into a platform offering more than just book discussions. Today, it hosts creative writing workshops, mentorship programs for young women, wellness circles focused on emotional resilience, and public speaking forums to build confidence.
Fatima Al Kaabi, a long-time member from Al Ain, recalls how joining the club transformed her. “I came to improve my English and socialize. But I found something much deeper. The community encouraged me to host my first public reading, and eventually, I started my own storytelling sessions for young girls at a local library.”
Women like Fatima are now using the club as a launching pad for personal and community projects, from publishing short stories to leading book drives in under-resourced areas.
A Cultural Mosaic in Every Session
The UAE is home to one of the most diverse populations in the world, and SheReads UAE reflects that richness. Members include Emiratis, South Asians, Arabs, Europeans, and third-culture individuals—all coming together through a shared love for books and a desire to be heard.
This multiculturalism is not just embraced but actively celebrated. Club coordinators often rotate reading lists to include translated works, indigenous voices, and lesser-known female authors from underrepresented backgrounds.
In one session centered around African literature, members explored themes of displacement, belonging, and migration. Another session focused on translated Japanese poetry, leading to a heartfelt discussion on grief and healing. The result is a literary community that not only reads broadly but feels deeply.
Rana Al Junaibi, one of the club’s coordinators, says, “Each meeting feels like a new world. We come in with our own languages, cultures, and challenges—but we leave feeling connected, understood, and empowered.”
Digital Reach, Global Impact
When the pandemic brought life to a standstill, many clubs struggled to keep going. But for SheReads UAE, going digital was a turning point. Virtual meetups were launched, and attendance tripled. The format opened doors for women who were previously unable to attend due to travel, childcare responsibilities, or cultural limitations.
These online spaces quickly gained traction, drawing members not just from within the Emirates but from across the region—Egypt, Lebanon, Pakistan, and even as far as the UK and Canada. This expansion brought international authors into the conversation and turned the club into a global exchange of ideas.
Ayesha explains, “We realized we weren’t just connecting women in the UAE. We were connecting stories across borders. Our community started to feel limitless.”
The club has since launched a podcast featuring book reviews, author interviews, and member spotlights. There are also plans for a mobile app that will allow members to track their reading, join niche sub-groups, and attend digital workshops year-round.
Beyond Books: Real-World Change
Perhaps the most powerful impact of SheReads UAE lies in its outreach beyond club walls. Through collaborations with schools, community centers, and social enterprises, the club regularly runs literacy campaigns, donates books to underserved communities, and conducts training for educators on using literature to discuss difficult topics like bullying and self-esteem.
Bookstores and libraries across the UAE have started featuring the club’s monthly picks, leading to higher visibility for female authors, especially from the region. Independent publishers are also recognizing the club’s influence, with some offering early previews and exclusive author Q&As for club members.
This ecosystem of reading, reflection, and action is changing how literature is viewed—not just as entertainment, but as a catalyst for social change.
One recent initiative saw the club partner with a mental health nonprofit to deliver reading therapy sessions for women experiencing postpartum depression. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants sharing how the combination of stories and support helped them feel less isolated.
Looking to the Future
The future of SheReads UAE is as ambitious as its roots are humble. Plans are underway to launch a women’s literary festival in 2026, focusing on storytelling, leadership, and empowerment. A dedicated reading lounge is being developed in Sharjah, which will serve as a space for workshops, exhibitions, and quiet reading retreats.
There’s also a scholarship fund in development for young female writers, aiming to support their education and publishing goals. With backing from local cultural organizations and an army of volunteers, the club is well-positioned to expand its impact even further.
For Ayesha and her team, the vision is clear: “We want every woman in the UAE to feel that her story matters, her voice counts, and her dreams are valid. Books can do that. They always have.”
Final Chapter or Just the Beginning?
As the UAE continues to evolve as a hub for innovation, culture, and inclusivity, initiatives like SheReads UAE show that empowerment can begin in the most unassuming of places—a café corner, a book club meeting, a shared story.
In a society where tradition and progress walk hand-in-hand, book clubs are helping women script their own narratives. Not by breaking away from the past, but by building on it with strength, compassion, and community.
And as these women continue to read, share, and rise together, one thing is clear—their story is just getting started.
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