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UAE: Sheikh Mohammed announces Arab Reading Challenge becomes largest literacy initiative in the world

Launched by the Dubai Ruler in 2015, the challenge encourages students to read as many books as possible (over 50) in one academic year

The UAE’s Arab Reading Challenge has become the world’s largest literacy initiative of its kind, with its 2023 edition witnessing record participation. Around 24.8 million students are taking part in this year’s challenge — an 11 per cent increase as compared to last year.

Over 22,500 people of determination are part of the challenge, with a new category added specifically for them.

“Focusing exclusively on reading in Arabic, our aim is to instil in the young generation a love of our language, and strengthen their connection to the Arab culture, roots and civilisation,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, posted on Twitter. “Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to this global project in every participating country, and thank you to more than 150,000 reading supervisors who made this achievement a reality.”

Launched by the Dubai Ruler in 2015, the challenge encourages students to read as many books as possible (over 50) in one academic year.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, said: “The Arab Reading Challenge, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid seven years ago, has become a milestone for developing reading and accumulating knowledge. It has also become a great motivation to dive deeper into the beauty of the Arabic language and its vast potential to accommodate modern sciences.”

He said the seventh edition of the challenge is significant. “For the first time ever, the challenge has added a new category for people of determination to help nurture their potential and enhance their inclusion in the Arab cultural scene and in the community in general. We are thrilled that 22,506 students of determination have moved up to the final round of qualifications in participating countries,” he added.

Making reading a habit

The final round of country-level qualifications for the seventh Arab Reading Challenge has kicked off and will see the selection of ‘Challenge Champions’ for each participating country. The winners will go on to compete for the Arab Reading Challenge Champion title, which will be announced during the final ceremony in Dubai.

The challenge reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed and his belief that “reading is the first step towards a better future driven by knowledge and learning”. It aims to highlight the importance of reading, develop comprehension and self-expression using correct Arabic language, and nurture creative thinking skills to help enrich content and cement the language’s standing as one of thought, science, research and creativity that can play a role in cultural dialogue and openness.

Inclusive learning

Over 22,500 students of determination, who have read 25 books according to the conditions of participation, have moved up to the final rounds.

The challenge comprises several rounds of qualification for students who have successfully read and summarised the contents of 50 books. Qualifications start at the class level and end at the country stage before the winners move to the final round. The selection of winners is based on strict and unified criteria that include an assessment of all relevant aspects.

Syrian student Sham Al Bakour was crowned Champion of the 6th Arab Reading Challenge, which saw the participation of 22.27 million students from 44 countries.

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