His Highness: Delays in Knowledge Acquisition Can Result in Significant Setbacks in Leadership
32 Million Students: A Promising Generation Drawing Inspiration from Our Glorious History and Addressing the Future Eloquently
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized that the passion for reading is a fundamental driver of human progress and the essential catalyst for societal development and the pursuit of happiness and well-being.
He remarked, “Those who lag today in acquiring knowledge will fall further behind tomorrow in the ambitious race among nations striving for global leadership in development and influence.”
This statement came during the ceremony honoring top performers in the Arab Reading Challenge, held yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Center as part of the concluding event for its ninth edition.
During the ceremony, His Highness crowned twins Bisan and Bailsan Koka from Tunisia as the champions of the Arab Reading Challenge 2025, selected from over 32 million students across 50 countries representing 132,112 schools, under the guidance of 161,004 supervisors who participated in this ninth edition of the largest reading initiative conducted in Arabic worldwide.
The twins Bisan and Bailsan Koka received a cash prize of half a million dirhams after securing first place in the final competition held in Dubai, which included champions from various Arab nations.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Jassim Ibrahim from Bahrain achieved second place, earning a prize of 100,000 dirhams, and Maryam Mohammed Shamak from Mauritania took third place, winning 70,000 dirhams.
During the closing ceremony, His Highness also honored Sahar Misbah from Egypt for receiving the title of “Outstanding Supervisor.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated, “More than 32 million new Arab students engaged in the largest reading project globally—a promising generation inspired by our magnificent cultural history that communicates the future eloquently. Arab students are today bridging the gap to achievement with sharp minds, unwavering determination, and an indispensable companion named the book.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid: Arab students are closing the gap to achievement with their determination and intellect.
With the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed honors “Atika Bint Zaid” School from the UAE and “Tripoli Al-Haddadin” School from Lebanon.
Latifa bint Mohammed crowns student Maria Ajeel as the champion of the “Reading Challenge” in the category for those with disabilities.
The “Dubai Residency” introduces a special arrival stamp for participants in the “Reading Challenge.”
With Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in attendance, “Shoba Realty” announces the establishment of a 500 million dirham endowment for the “Reading Challenge.”
Mohammed Al-Gergawi: Through the vision and support of Mohammed bin Rashid, the “Arab Reading Challenge” has established a strong and significant impact over the past decade.
The twin champions express their gratitude to Mohammed bin Rashid.
Jamal bin Huwaireb: The challenge is a creative initiative aimed at cultivating a generation of thinkers and innovators.
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