du celebrates the month of reading with first internal ‘duReads’ forum held exclusively for employees

In celebration of March as the month of reading, du held the first ever reading forum – ‘duReads’ – in the history of the company at Al Salam Tower in Dubai. Spanning two exciting and eventful days, the forum aimed to instill the importance of reading for employees throughout the company, increase employee engagement and, above all, happiness. Additionally, du hosted the inaugural photography club exhibition on the second day of the forum. 

Speaking about the importance of creating an engaged workforce through a variety of means, Dr. Mansoor Anwar, Senior Director – Employee Wellness and Happiness, said: “As much as we value our customers as the heart of du, we are cognizant of the fact that our employees are the soul of our operation. Our inaugural ‘duReads’ and Photography forum enabled us to engage our valued colleagues in the joys of reading and self-expression, encouraging them to derive the maximum benefits offered by the incredibly important activity of reading.”

During the first day of the event, a panel discussion titled Happiness & Reading was moderated by Dr Alia Al Serkal, Senior Director Talent Management & National Development in du, with psychologists Dr. Louise Lambert and Dr. Justin Thomas. The discussion was based around the importance of reading and how it is linked to the overall happiness and performance of employees, which is in line with moving the UAE happiness agenda forward. In addition, Magrudy’s held a book fair offering all employees books in both Arabic and English at a discounted rate.

On the second day of the event, du held a panel discussion, Reading Between Science and Fiction, moderated by Basma AlKindi with Emirati media personality AlSaad AlMenhali, editor in chief of National Geographic Arabia magazine, as well as Jamal AlShehhi, Emirati writer and founder of Kuttab publishing. On the same day, du held its first du Photography Club Exhibition & Competition.