Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid: “Reading is the Foundation of Development, Progress, and Innovation” as Danah Adel Al Zarouni Wins 10th Arab Reading Challenge
Dubai witnessed a significant educational milestone as Danah Adel Al Zarouni, a Grade 6 student from Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi, was crowned the UAE Champion of the 10th Arab Reading Challenge. The event, held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and celebrated the participation of over 830,000 students from across the UAE.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, expressed his pride in the extensive involvement of students in the initiative. He emphasized the importance of reading, stating, “I am proud of their reading skills, their passion for knowledge, and their attachment to books. Civilisations are built by people like you. Reading is the foundation of development, progress, and innovation.”
Celebrating Achievements and Future Aspirations
Sheikh Mohammed congratulated Danah for her achievement and highlighted her role in representing the UAE in the upcoming international challenge, which will see participation from 60 countries and over 40 million students. This year’s challenge has set a new benchmark for engagement in literacy initiatives.
The ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), also recognized other winners, including those in the People of Determination category. Sheikha Latifa remarked on the UAE’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading as a vital component of societal development and knowledge advancement.
She stated, “Under the vision and guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE continues to entrench a culture of reading as an authentic societal approach and a fundamental pillar for human development and knowledge advancement.”
A Remarkable Participation Rate
The Arab Reading Challenge has seen remarkable growth since its inception. This year, it achieved a record participation of 40,286,428 students from 60 countries, including 74,062 students from the People of Determination category. This marks a 24% increase compared to the previous edition, which had 32.231 million participants from 50 countries.
Sheikha Latifa expressed her pride in the efforts of school administrations, teachers, and supervisors in promoting reading among students. She extended her congratulations to all participants and emphasized the importance of community support in achieving these educational milestones.
Honoring Excellence in Education
The ceremony also recognized the top ten finalists at the national level, including Yousef Mohammed Saeed Hamed, who won first place in the People of Determination category. Other notable recognitions included Naima Al Amiri from Dubai as the ‘Outstanding Supervisor’ and Hamad bin Abdullah Al Sharqi School in Fujairah as the ‘Best School.’
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, and His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, among others. Their presence underscored the collaborative efforts of various educational and cultural institutions in promoting literacy.
Rigorous Selection Process
The Arab Reading Challenge involves a meticulous selection process that includes multiple qualifying rounds, where participants must read and summarize 50 books. This rigorous approach ensures that champions demonstrate a deep understanding of key themes and concepts. The qualification process progresses from individual grade levels to schools, educational zones, and governorates, culminating in the selection of national champions.
Specialized committees work alongside the Arab Reading Challenge panels to identify the top performers, ensuring that the selection process is both fair and comprehensive.
UAE’s Continued Commitment to Literacy
The UAE has consistently demonstrated a strong presence in the Arab Reading Challenge, achieving notable successes in various editions. The initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in 2015, aims to instill a love for reading among students and strengthen their language skills.
Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri emphasized the initiative’s impact over the past decade, stating that it has established reading as a defining cultural practice and a sustainable educational approach. She reiterated the importance of reading in character development and critical thinking, highlighting its role in reinforcing national identity and the Arabic language.
The Arab Reading Challenge continues to evolve, fostering a passion for knowledge and equipping young people with the tools necessary to build a better future. It aims to shape the value systems of youth by promoting understanding and tolerance through exposure to diverse cultures.
For further details on this significant event, visit the source: www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-07-09 17:46:00 • By the Editorial Desk
