Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, expressed pride in the 810,000 students from UAE schools who participated in the 9th edition of the Arab Reading Challenge. His Highness also congratulated Reem Adel Ahmed Al Zarouni from Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi for winning the UAE-level Arab Reading Challenge champion title, commending her achievement and wishing her continued success.
According to Emirates News Agency, the celebrations marked a significant milestone in the Arab Reading Challenge, a global initiative that has engaged over 32 million students. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed thanked Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed for supporting this national student initiative and expressed delight in the passion for reading shown by UAE students. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of knowledge and reading for the nation's future.
The event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). It celebrated the end of UAE-level qualifiers of the Challenge. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council, attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of investing in the nation's youth and congratulated Reem Al Zarouni for her ambition and perseverance. He recognized the collective efforts of families, teachers, and educational institutions in fostering a love of reading. Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE's commitment to cultural and knowledge initiatives, underscoring the belief that reading is crucial for human development.
The ceremony also featured prominent attendees, including Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education; and other key officials and educators. Sarah Al Amiri honored the top ten students who excelled in the UAE-level final round of qualifiers and recognized the national coordinator for the Arab Reading Challenge.
Reem Al Zarouni, a seventh-grader, emerged as the UAE champion of the 9th Arab Reading Challenge. Zahra Hamad Ibrahim from Dubai received the Outstanding Supervisor award, while Atika Bint Zaid School in Sharjah won the Best School Award. In the People of Determination category, Abdullah Ahmad Rashid Abdullah Al Dhanhani from Fujairah secured first place.
The initiative has seen remarkable growth since its inception, with the UAE consistently achieving significant milestones. The ninth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, launched in the 2015-2016 academic year, aims to promote reading among students globally and cultivate a vibrant Arabic reading culture. The challenge empowers students to build a brighter future by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures.