H.H. Sheikh Mohammed hails UAE's reading champions

The winners of the UAE-level qualifiers for the 8th Arab Reading Challenge were announced at a ceremony in Dubai on Tuesday.

Ninth grader Ahmad Faisal Ali won the UAE qualifiers, ahead of over 700,000 students from 1,174 schools, who participated in the challenge under the guidance of 1,897 supervisors.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said he was incredibly proud of the students across the UAE who participated in the Arab Reading Challenge, with many completing the challenge of reading 50 books throughout the academic year.

"I am confident that these youth will have the understanding and capacity to appreciate the diverse cultures of our world, while playing a vital role in building the future of the UAE," added Sheikh Mohammed as he congratulated the winners.

Ali, a student of Zayed Education Complex in Al Barsha, was crowned the winner by Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairperson of the Emirates Schools Establishment.

In the People of Determination category, Sulaiman Khamis Sulaiman Al Khadim, from Zayed Education Complex in Dibba Al Fujairah, came first following intense competition among the three finalists.

Eng. Mohammed Al Qasem, Director General of the Emirates Schools Establishment awarded Asem Abbara, from Abu Dhabi, the title of 'Outstanding Supervisor' during the ceremony, while the 'Outstanding School' title was awarded to Al Ebdaa Model School – Cycle 1, Dubai.

The Arab Reading Challenge, which was launched in 2015, aims to create a wide-reaching Arabic reading movement that encourages future generations to use this rich language in their day-to-day interactions, while acquiring the knowledge necessary to hone their skills.

It also helps build a value system that encourages youth to learn about other cultures, which instills the principles of tolerance and coexistence.

فخور ب700 ألف طالب من دولة الإمارات شاركوا في تحدي القراءة العربي .. وأتم العديد منهم قراءة خمسين كتاباً خلال عامهم الدراسي .. ونبارك للفائزين منهم اليوم ..
متفائل بجيل إماراتي قارىء ومثقف .. معتز بهويته وقادر على استيعاب ثقافات العالم .. وقادر على الاستمرار في بناء مستقبل… pic.twitter.com/FiZTS6S36Z

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 2, 2024