From STEAM-inspired storytelling to student authors and therapy dogs, Abu Dhabi schools are rewriting the script on reading for pleasure
Do you know that children who read for pleasure tend to perform better across all subjects?
Research from the University of Cambridge shows early reading is linked to stronger brain development, better mental health, and greater empathy later in life.
In Abu Dhabi, schools are embracing these insights, transforming reading into a dynamic, year-round adventure.
From STEAM-infused storytelling and student-authored publications to the introduction of therapy dogs in reading sessions, educators are igniting a passion for books that extends far beyond World Book Day.
The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi)
Bringing books to life
World Book Day 2025 at BIS Abu Dhabi was more than a celebration—it was an imaginative learning journey.
Primary students stepped into a ‘Once Upon a STEAM’ theme that brought stories alive through science, tech, engineering, art, and maths.
From designing rockets for stranded characters to coding monster hotels, children built, created and explored, all inspired by the books they love.
Meanwhile, in Secondary, the theme ‘A Book Can Take You Anywhere’ offered a quieter but equally meaningful experience.
Students swapped costumes for cosy clothes and took part in a ‘Drop Everything and Read’ moment—an initiative sparked by students themselves, calling for time to simply enjoy a good book.
Across both phases, BIS Abu Dhabi showcased how stories can connect, challenge, and inspire young minds.
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Raha International School, Gardens Campus (RIS GC)
Where stories go beyond the page
At RIS GC, World Book Day isn’t a stand-alone event—it’s part of a much bigger commitment to literacy. “We’re fostering strong reading and writing habits, inspiring a new generation of budding young authors,” says librarian Teejay Button. And it shows: students like Olivia Palk and Shanti Allard aren’t just reading—they’re writing, publishing, and even speaking at author events. This year’s activities included character dress-up days, quote scavenger hunts, and literacy trivia, with a month-long reading challenge building up to 23 April.
And in a first for the school, students were joined by professional reading dogs. Studies show that reading aloud to pets can boost fluency and reduce anxiety—and at Raha, it added a joyful, tail-wagging twist to reading aloud.
Raha International School, Khalifa City Campus (RIS KCC)
Stories that connect a community
At RIS KCC, the spirit of the day was summed up beautifully by Anne Watkins, Head of Primary: “World Book Day is a reminder that stories have the power to unite us. At KCC, it’s more than a celebration of reading—it’s a celebration of community, imagination, and the connections we build through a shared love of books.”
From rockets and coding to poetry and puppies, Abu Dhabi schools are proving that reading is anything but passive.
By nurturing confident readers and empowering young voices, these schools are building a culture where books are loved not just for a day—but for a lifetime.
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