Dubai, United Arab Emirates – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that the passion for reading is the true driver of human progress and the primary driver of societal development and the fulfillment of people’s aspirations for happiness and well-being.
He said: “Whoever takes a step back today in acquiring knowledge will fall miles behind tomorrow in the race of ambitious nations to seize the reins of leadership in development and global influence.”
This came during his honoring of the top winners in the Arab Reading Challenge categories during the closing ceremony of the ninth edition, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday.
Tunisian twins, Bisan and Bilsan Kouka, were crowned champions of the Arab Reading Challenge 2025, competing among more than 32 million students from 50 countries, representing 132,112 schools, and supervised by 161,004 supervisors. The finalists participated in the ninth round of the largest reading event of its kind in Arabic worldwide.
Twins Bisan and Bilsan Kouka won a prize worth half a million dirhams.
After claiming first place in the final stage held in Dubai, which included champions from the Arab countries participating in the qualifiers.
While student Mohammed Jassim Ibrahim from Bahrain won second place and a prize worth 100,000 dirhams.
Third place went to student Maryam Mohammed Shamakh from Mauritania, who received a prize of 70,000 dirhams.
During the closing ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also honored Sahar Mesbah from Egypt, who was awarded the title of “Distinguished Supervisor.”
During the coronation ceremony, a group photo was taken of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with the Arab Reading Challenge coordinators from the participating countries in the ninth round’s qualifiers.
Who played a major role in the success of the competition during the challenge stages.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “More than 32 million new Arab students are participating in the world’s largest reading project. A promising generation inspired by our glorious cultural history and addressing the future with eloquent language. Arab students are today bridging the gap between achievement and achievement with a steadfast mind, an unwavering will, and an indispensable companion called books.”
