An event designed to instill a love of reading in kids has opened at the Museum of Islamic Art park. According to I Love Qatar, the Reading Festival is one of the largest events of its kind in Qatar.

It is free and open to the public, and runs from 4pm to 9pm today (Friday), and from 11am to 9pm tomorrow (Saturday).

The festival is hosted by the Childhood Cultural Centre (CCC) and includes literary, artistic and scientific competitions and musical performances.

Qatar has been working to develop a culture of reading among its residents, though a scarcity of libraries and few bookstores make this difficult. In support of the festival, the CCC said:

“Experts recommend that children are reading from an early age where reading and stimulate the development and function of the brain of the child.”

Who’s going? Thoughts?