Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed the pivotal role of reading in driving human progress and community advancement during the closing ceremony of the 9th Arab Reading Challenge at the Dubai World Trade Centre. At the event, Tunisian twins Bisan and Baylasan Kouka were crowned as the 2025 Arab Reading Champions, emerging victorious from over 32 million students from 132,112 schools across 50 countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Kouka twins were awarded AED500,000 after succeeding in the final qualifying round in Dubai, which saw participation from country-level winners. Mohammed Jassim Ibrahim from Bahrain and Mariam Mohammed Shamekh from Mauritania secured second and third places, receiving AED100,000 and AED70,000, respectively. The event also recognized Sahar Misbah from Egypt with the ‘Outstanding Supervisor’ title.
The ceremony celebrated achievements in various categories, including ‘Best School’, ‘Community Champion’, and ‘People of Determination Champion’, with winners hailing from numerous countries. The event highlighted the participation of more than 32 million Arab students in the initiative, described as the world’s largest reading challenge.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed praised the participants and winners, emphasizing the significance of reading in shaping a promising generation inspired by Arab history and poised to face the future with confidence. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Country-level champions and supervisors from across the participating countries were acknowledged for their contributions. Notable winners included Adam Al Rawdani from Morocco, AlGhala Abdullah Al Hajeri from Qatar, and others from countries such as Egypt, Palestine, and the UAE.
The Arab Reading Challenge, launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed, aims to promote reading among Arab students, enhancing language skills and fostering a love for Arabic. The initiative aligns with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives’ goals and has seen growing participation, with over 163 million student participants to date.
The initiative has received endorsements from the League of Arab States and participated in international events such as the Rabat International Book Fair, furthering its mission to instill a passion for reading and knowledge among the youth.