Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, personally met with the outstanding achievers of the 8th Arab Reading Challenge UAE qualifiers today. Among them were Ahmad Faisal Ali, who claimed the coveted title of UAE champion, and Sulaiman Khamis Al Khadim, who excelled in the People of Determination category. The gathering took place at Al Mudeef Majlis in Union House, underscoring Sheikh Mohammed's commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and fostering a deeper appreciation for Arabic literature among the youth.

In his address, Sheikh Mohammed commended the dedication of over 700,000 students from 1,174 schools who participated in this year's challenge, a testament to the UAE's commitment to education and knowledge acquisition. He emphasized the importance of reading as a fundamental skill for lifelong learning, echoing the initiative's broader mission to strengthen Arabic language proficiency and cultural identity.

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The ceremony, organized under the auspices of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), recently celebrated the achievements of these young readers at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Ahmed Faisal Ali was honored as the overall winner, surpassing stiff competition under the guidance of 1,897 supervisors. Notably, Sulaiman Khamis Al Khadim from Zayed Education Complex in Dibba Al Fujairah stood out in the People of Determination category, showcasing resilience and determination.

Highlighting excellence in supervision, Asem Abbara was recognized as 'Outstanding Supervisor', while Al Ebdaa Model School in Dubai received the 'Outstanding School' accolade. The event also acknowledged top performers like Saud Ahmad Salem Al Kaabi, Khalid Abdullah Al Hammadi, Aisha Humaid Obaid Al Khayyal, Hamed Ahmed Mohammed Al Hafiti, Medyah Saif Al Tenaiji, Abdulrahman Essa Al Khater, Mariam Mashhour, Hessa Hassan Al Bloushi, and Alia Al Sayyed Al Shahhat, all of whom excelled at the UAE level.

The Arab Reading Challenge not only aims to promote Arabic literacy but also fosters a cultural exchange that builds values of tolerance and mutual understanding. By engaging youth in extensive reading, the initiative strives to shape a future generation equipped with the knowledge and empathy needed for global citizenship.