The Arab Reading Challenge UAE winner for the 8th edition has been crowned — and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was there to celebrate every student who made it happen. At a ceremony hosted by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) at Dubai World Trade Centre, Ahmad Faisal Ali of Zayed Education Complex in Al Barsha was named the UAE's top reader, rising above more than 700,000 fellow students.
Sheikh Mohammed Congratulates UAE's 700,000 Readers
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, singled out the scale of participation for special praise. A total of 700,000 students across the UAE completed the reading trials for the year — each required to finish 50 books over the course of the academic year.
"I am proud of the enthusiastic response reflecting this fruitful fruition of the Arab Reading Challenge in which seven hundred thousand learners throughout the UAE comprehensively reading 50 books in academic year mode; congratulations to the winners announced today; their dedication to reading and knowledge acquisition raises optimism for the prospects of the Emirati generation shines through," said Sheikh Mohammed.
Ahmad Faisal Ali Named UAE Champion
Ahmad Faisal Ali emerged as the Arab Reading Challenge UAE winner from a field of students representing more than 1,174 schools nationwide. Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, placed the winner's crown on Ahmad at the official ceremony.
The event was also addressed by Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture; Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; and Saeed Mohammad Al Eter, Assistant Secretary General of MBRGI.
Record Global Participation in the 8th Edition
The 8th Arab Reading Challenge drew record numbers on the world stage. A total of 28.2 million students from 50 countries, representing 229,620 schools, took part in the competition — a significant jump from previous editions.
The initiative's goal is to build a broad Arabic-reading public, ensuring that future generations develop the knowledge and critical skills needed to contribute to a more successful society.
Additional Awards
Other honours presented at the ceremony included:
- Outstanding Supervisor: Asem Abbara from Abu Dhabi - Outstanding School: Al Ebdaa Model School – Cycle 1 in Dubai - People of Determination category winner: Sulaiman Khamis Sulaiman Al Khadim of Zayed Education Complex in Dibba Al Fujairah
