HH Sheikh Mohammed honours Arab Reading Challenge winners
Record-breaking reading movement
In Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed honoured the winners of the Arab Reading Challenge (ARC). This year marked a huge milestone. Over 32 million students from 132,000 schools in 50 countries joined the competition. The challenge aims to spread love for reading, improve Arabic skills, and nurture future thinkers and leaders.
The event highlighted the importance of knowledge and learning. It also showed how reading can connect young people to culture, creativity, and innovation.
Twin sisters win top prize
The spotlight was on 12-year-old Tunisian twins, Baisan and Baylsan Koka. They were crowned the overall champions of the Arab Reading Challenge. Both girls impressed judges by reading more than 600 books each. They also showed excellent understanding and communication skills.
HH Sheikh Mohammed personally congratulated the twins. He praised all participants for their hard work. He said young readers give hope and help revive Arab culture through education.
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Mission and legacy of the challenge
The Arab Reading Challenge started in 2015 under HH Sheikh Mohammed’s guidance. Its main goal is to encourage reading and promote Arabic literacy across the Arab world. Students read books, write summaries, and compete through several levels to reach national finals.
This ninth edition of the challenge saw participation grow from a few million to over 32 million students. The increasing numbers show how the initiative is influencing young learners and creating a reading culture across the region.
Beyond books: building skills
The event also highlighted that the challenge goes beyond reading. It helps students develop critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural understanding. Additionally, modern technology like e-books and AI tools is helping more children access Arabic reading content. These tools support both students and teachers in learning and teaching effectively.
A vision for the future
For the UAE and the Arab world, the Arab Reading Challenge, under HH Sheikh Mohammed’s patronage, represents a long-term commitment to education. Reading is seen as a bridge between tradition and modern ideas. It strengthens identity while promoting knowledge and innovation.
As the ceremony ended, the message was clear: when young people read, they shape their future and contribute to society. The twin sisters, millions of participants, and HH Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership show a bright, knowledge-rich future ahead.
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