Abu Dhabi student wins UAE qualifiers of Arab Reading Challenge

Reem Adel Ahmed Al Zarouni, a seventh-grader from Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi, has been named the UAE champion of the 9th Arab Reading Challenge

As many as 810,000 students from 1,380 schools across the country participated in the UAE-level challenge. 

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Reem on her achievement, praising her for reading 300 books and demonstrating exceptional comprehension.

He expressed pride in the nationwide participation and reaffirmed his belief in the power of reading to shape future generations.

The crowning ceremony, held at Dubai World Trade Centre, was organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, honoured Reem and other top performers, including winners in the People of Determination category.

Reem will now represent the UAE in the final round of the 9th Arab Reading Challenge, which has engaged over 32 million students from 50 countries.

Other honourees included Zahra Hamad Ibrahim from Dubai, who received the Outstanding Supervisor award, and Atika Bint Zaid School in Sharjah, which won Best School.

In the People of Determination category, Abdullah Ahmad Al Dhanhani, an eleventh-grader at Fujairah's Hamad bin Abdullah Al Sharqi School (Cycle 3 Boys) secured first place.

Launched in the 2015-2016 academic year under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed, the Arab Reading Challenge aims to foster a culture of reading and critical thinking among youth across the Arab world and beyond.

احتفلت واحتفت دولة الإمارات اليوم ب 810 ألف طالب من 1380 مدرسة من مدارس الدولة شاركوا في تحدي القراءة العربي - والذي بلغت مشاركاته العربية والعالمية أكثر من 32 مليون طالب …

أشكر أخي الشيخ عبدالله بن زايد على رعايته لهذا الحدث الطلابيّ الوطني .. وأبارك للطالبة ريم عادل الزرعوني… pic.twitter.com/enY5KCFupS

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 1, 2025