More than 830,000 UAE students joined the Arab Reading Challenge. The 10th edition saw Danah Adel Al Zarouni, a Grade 6 student from Al Ittihad National Private School (Khalifa A, Abu Dhabi), win the national title.
The ceremony was held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, with senior leaders in attendance.
UAE students’ massive participation His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, praised the scale of involvement, noting that more than 830,000 students from across the Emirates took part. He highlighted that the challenge this year attracted participants from 60 countries and engaged 40 million students during the current academic year.
“Proud of more than 830,000 students in the UAE who took part in the Arab Reading Challenge this year. I am proud of their reading skills, their passion for knowledge, and their attachment to books. Civilisations are built by people like you. Reading is the foundation of development, progress and innovation.” — Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the UAE continues to embed a culture of reading as a core societal pillar. She described the Arab Reading Challenge as the largest competitive knowledge initiative of its kind in the Arab world. “Under the vision and guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE continues to entrench a culture of reading as an authentic societal approach and a fundamental pillar for human development and knowledge advancement.” — Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
Celebrating the champion and the initiative The ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). During the event, Sheikha Latifa honoured Danah Al Zarouni and also recognised the runner‑up and winners in the People of Determination category. In her remarks, Sheikha Latifa praised the initiative’s role in deepening knowledge, building awareness, and strengthening students’ connection to their language, identity and culture. She congratulated Danah on securing first place at the UAE level and noted that the champion will now represent the country alongside participants from the 60 nations involved.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Arab Reading Challenge in UAE? Danah Adel Al Zarouni, a Grade 6 student from Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi, won the national title in the UAE.
How many students participated in Arab Reading Challenge UAE? More than 830,000 students from across the UAE took part in the 10th Arab Reading Challenge.
What is the Arab Reading Challenge? The Arab Reading Challenge is a competitive knowledge initiative that promotes reading as a core societal pillar, involving over 40 million students from 60 countries.
Where was the Arab Reading Challenge ceremony held? The ceremony was held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City.
How many countries participated in Arab Reading Challenge? The Arab Reading Challenge attracted participants from 60 countries.
