Reem Adel Al Zarouni was declared the UAE champion in the ninth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge during a grand ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event saw broad participation from students across the country, highlighting a strong culture of reading among the youth.
Alongside Reem’s recognition, Zahra Hamad was honoured with the title of Outstanding Supervisor and Abdullah Al Dhanhani received the title of Arab Reading Challenge Champion for People of Determination.
Overwhelmed with pride and a sense of duty, Reem said, "I'm not only feeling so proud and excited to raise my country's flag at international forums and at the Arab Reading Challenge Closing Ceremony, but also feeling a tremendous sense of responsibility".
Launched in the 2015–2016 academic year under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Arab Reading Challenge is recognised as the world’s largest Arabic-language reading initiative. It aims to promote a culture of reading among students in the Arab world and beyond.
The event reinforces the value of Arabic as a dynamic and evolving language suited for literature, science and knowledge. It inspires students to embrace it in daily life. It equips young readers with the tools to build a brighter future while encouraging openness to other cultures and promoting the principles of tolerance, coexistence and acceptance.