His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has recently reviewed the impressive participation figures in the 8th Arab Reading Challenge 2024, which has set a new record with over 28 million students taking part. This year’s edition has seen a significant increase of 13.7% compared to last year, when 24.8 million students participated in the challenge.
In a statement, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized the importance of reading, stating, “We believe reading is a life changer… We believe it can create generations that are different… and will open wide the doors to knowledge and civilization.” He expressed gratitude to all participating countries and extended his best wishes to the millions of students involved in the challenge.
The Arab Reading Challenge, organized under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), aims to promote reading among students and instill a love for knowledge and learning. The initiative reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for a comprehensive Arab knowledge renaissance through reading, promoting the Arabic language, and embracing global cultures.
The challenge involves students reading and summarizing the content of 50 books to qualify for the country-level rounds. Outstanding reading champions and schools are selected based on rigorous criteria, with specialized committees working closely to evaluate participation at various levels. The top 10 reading champions and a Champion from each country move on to compete for the Arab Reading Challenge title.
The winner of the Arab Reading Champion title receives a prestigious award of AED500,000 to further their educational journey and broaden their horizons. Additionally, AED 1 million is awarded to the outstanding school to enhance its reading initiatives, and AED300,000 is presented to the outstanding supervisor to continue inspiring future generations.
The Arab Reading Challenge not only promotes reading and literacy but also aims to develop students’ Arabic comprehension and expression skills. By fostering a passion for knowledge and critical thinking, the challenge helps students enhance their analytical and creative abilities. Furthermore, by exposing students to different cultures and beliefs, the challenge promotes tolerance, coexistence, and cultural dialogue.
Since its inception in 2015, the Arab Reading Challenge has seen a significant increase in participation numbers. The 8th edition in 2024 has attracted 28 million students from 50 countries, showcasing the initiative’s success in reaching students across the Arab world and beyond. The challenge continues to inspire young minds and cultivate a habit of reading as a daily practice.
The Arab Reading Challenge serves as a platform for students to expand their horizons, develop essential skills, and engage in cultural exchange. With its focus on promoting reading and knowledge, the challenge plays a vital role in shaping the future generations of the Arab world.