Celebrating Literacy: The 9th Arab Reading Challenge
The Catalyst for Development
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, as well as the Ruler of Dubai, emphasized the vital role of reading in fostering human progress. He believes that reading is crucial not just for individual growth but also for community development and overall prosperity. At the closing ceremony of the 9th Arab Reading Challenge, Sheikh Mohammed stated, “Those who fall a step behind in acquiring knowledge today will soon find themselves miles behind in the ambitious race to lead in progress and global influence.”
The Winners Take the Stage
The event unveiled the winners of the 2025 Arab Reading Champions at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Among the remarkable participants were the Tunisian twins, Bisan and Baylasan Kouka, who emerged as champions from a field of over 32 million students across 50 countries. This prestigious initiative, now recognized as the world’s largest Arabic literacy program, encouraged engagement from students, schools, and supervisors devoted to enhancing literacy.
Awarded AED500,000 for their triumph, the twins inspired many, while Mohammed Jassim Ibrahim from Bahrain and Mariam Mohammed Shamekh from Mauritania took home AED100,000 and AED70,000 respectively, securing second and third places.
Recognizing Outstanding Contributions
The ceremony also acknowledged Sahar Misbah from Egypt as the ‘Outstanding Supervisor,’ who received AED300,000 for her invaluable support in fostering literacy. Various awards were presented, including titles for ‘Best School,’ ‘Community Champion,’ and ‘People of Determination Champion,’ recognizing the broad impact of this initiative on diverse segments of the community.
A Promising Generation
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the sheer scale of participation: “More than 32 million Arab students joined the world’s largest reading initiative.” He expressed pride in the current generation, emphasizing their determination and the essential role of books in their journey towards achieving their ambitions. His remarks emphasized a bright future for Arab youth, shaped by a rich cultural history and a commitment to learning.
Notable Attendees
The awards ceremony was graced by dignitaries such as Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who chairs several key aviation and airline organizations. Their presence underscored the significance of the Arab Reading Challenge and the collaborative effort to enhance literacy in the region.
Honoring Regional Champions
Country-level champions who advanced to the finals included talented students from various nations, such as Adam Al Rawdani from Morocco and Hiba Abu Baker from Palestine. Their achievements reflect the collective effort to elevate reading standards and inspire academic excellence across the Arab world.
Championing Educational Excellence
The ‘Best School’ award was jointly claimed by Atika bint Zaid School – 1st Cycle from the UAE and Tarablus Al Haddadin School from Lebanon, each receiving AED500,000. The event signified a long-term commitment towards creating conducive learning environments, with Ibn Khaldoun Primary School earning recognition for its contributions to literacy.
Empowering Individuals with Determination
In a significant highlight, Maria Hassan Ojail from Iraq was honored with the ’People of Determination Champion’ title, receiving AED200,000 for her achievements. This award serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their challenges, have opportunities to excel.
Engaging the Global Community
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awarded the ‘Community Champion’ title to Jehad Mohammed Murad from Italy, with Baraa Radwan Al Zaeem from Brazil and Lilia Burhan from Austria following as runners-up. This new category is intended to expand participation beyond traditional boundaries, inviting students from diverse backgrounds to engage in the Arabic language.
The Role of Reading in Cultural Development
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi pointed out that the Arab Reading Challenge exemplifies Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of knowledge sharing as a foundation for societal advancement. He reiterated that the initiative enhances cultural awareness, tolerance, and education, aligning with the goals of the Arab ministries of education.
Expanding Access to Knowledge Resources
The initiative has gained significant recognition, leading the League of Arab States to recommend incorporating the Challenge into educational curricula. To further this mission, an agreement was reached between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, establishing the Arab Reading Challenge Digital Library.
An Inspiring Journey
The Arab Reading Challenge has witnessed overwhelming participation, with over 163 million students engaged across nine editions. This remarkable growth—from just 3.6 million participants in its inaugural year to over 32 million in the latest round—highlights a profound shift towards valuing literacy and education.
Future Aspirations
Launched in 2015, the Arab Reading Challenge aims to instill a love for reading among students across the Arab world. By promoting strong language skills and a sense of identity, the initiative aspires to empower the next generation to build a promising future, rooted in cultural understanding and a passion for knowledge.
