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Next Arab Reading Challenge to target 7 million: Shaikh Mohammed

Dubai - "I am sure next year we will be able to reach seven million students," - His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the first Arab Reading Challenge, Dubai Ruler announced the award will target seven million students next year.
"Today, we have 3.5 million participants," started off His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai said after honoring winners and finalists of the Arab Reading Challenge on Monday.
He was addressing a crowd of participants, delegates, VIPs and government officials attending the closing ceremony in Dubai Opera.
His sons - Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Crown Prince of Dubai; and Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the deputy ruler of Dubai, and the Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated were also among the attendees.
"Our students always use computers, iPhones and these technologies, but reading is a top priority. The first word mentioned in the Holy Quran is 'Read'"
He added, "Reading brightens minds and makes our youth winners. Their victory will not only be for themselves, but it's for their families, countries and nations, because they will grow to become our future leaders."

Shaikh Mohammed launched the Arab Reading Challenge in September 2015 to encourage one million students in the Arab world to read 50 million books each academic year. But the challenge attracted 3.5 million participants from 21 countries. 
"I am sure next year we will be able to reach seven million students," he said to a cheering crowd.
"Let me tell you, a day I don't learn is considered a day wasted from my life," he added.
Shaikh Mohammed honored the top three winners of the Arab Reading Challenge, along with the other 15 finalists.
- sherouk@khaleejtimes.com