Dubai/ Abu Dhabi/ Fujairah: Has the power of technology taken over the traditional habit of reading books?

As residents are online on an almost constant basis, it seems that reading books have taken a backseat on the list of recreational things to do.

In a recent Gulf News poll, 51 per cent of respondents said that reading books is on the decline because of internet, 21 per cent said they do not have time to read, 18 per cent said it was because of television, and 10 per cent said that books are expensive.

City Talk took to the streets and asked residents if they think the habit of reading has declined, what their favourite type of book is, and how much they read.

Abeer Mreihel, retail operation manager, Lebanon, 28, said: "It has definitely declined, because there are now more alternatives for entertainment, such as coffee shops, television and the internet. Technology is more popular than ever, so I think people prefer to read online. I only used to read when I had to study in college, but since then, I have never read a book."

Anarisa Torres, marketing executive from the Philippines, 34, said: "I think that people will always read books and that it will never become unpopular. Books can be very helpful, especially for those who have to do research and want to get extensive knowledge about a particular topic. I like to read Reader's Digest but am not able to read it as much as I would like to because I do not have enough time. I am only able to read in the weekends or if I am going on a long trip."

Dinakar N.B., Indian network engineer, 32, said: "Reading books is not a popular pastime anymore simply because nobody has the time to read. Everybody is focused on their job during the week and when the weekend comes along, nobody is bothered to read. They would prefer to sleep and relax with family and friends. In general, I do not read any books, but read the daily newspaper instead."

Ahmad Mohammad Sa'ad, finance administrator from Egypt, 37, said: "There are definitely less people reading nowadays despite the fact that more books are more readily available now than years ago when we were growing up. Now, it seems new technologies have made information more easily available and to many people that is reason enough not to seek deeper knowledge or indulge in reading in the traditional way. I think it is a shame but also it is part of the new realities where work and other life pressures deprive people of the time and energy required to seek out and read books. I myself love to read about history and civilisations but I find that I don't do any reading whatsoever and it saddens me."

Ali Mohammad, driver from India, 40, said: "Unfortunately, reading books has become, for most people, a thing of the past. Now, people barely have time to read newspapers because they can get the latest news through television or the internet. I personally would like to read more but work just takes up so much of your time and energy. I used to like reading religious books and literature and I try to pass on the reading habit to my children but it is not easy."

Wael Khudairi, Jordanian bank employee, 55, said: "I do read books occasionally, may be once a month or so. I think reading habit in general is on the decline because people have too many responsibilities at hand and find it hard to make time to read books. But I make sure to read the newspaper everyday. I enjoy books on politics and science."

Sukumari Chandrababu, homemaker and private tutor, India, 37, said: "I love books and used to be a bookworm during my college days. Sadly, I am finding it hard to keep a lot books here with me because we live in a sharing accommodation and it is hard to find space for everything. I enjoy autobiographies and inspirational books."

Sabah, 45, Lebanese, banker, said: "I read a book may be once in two months, not more. I do not believe reading is on the decline. The habit is still there, but the mode of reading definitely has changed. More and more people are reading ebooks on the internet rather than opting for traditional hard covers. I like many genres of books, anything but fiction."