Sheikh Mohammad launches reading challenge for Arab children

The UAE has launched an initiative to encourage reading habits in children across the region. It follows the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The "Arab Reading Challenge" is hoping to secure the commitment of over a million students to read at least 50 books each, this academic year. Sheikh Mohammad said "The Arab world is suffering from a reading crisis whose consequences we see and feel every day in this region." Incentives and awards totaling about AED 11 million are being offered to participating schools, pupils and their families. The challenge, which runs across five stages, is scheduled to run until March 2016.