Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Crowns Hatem Tarkawi, Kadi Khathaami, And Salsabil Sawalha As 2024 Arab Reading Champions

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the winners of the 8th Arab Reading Challenge at Dubai Opera. Hatem Mohammed Jassim Al Tarkawi from Syria, Kadi bint Musaffar Al Khathaami from Saudi Arabia, and Salsabil Hassan Sawalha from Palestine were crowned as champions. This year's event saw over 28 million students from 50 countries participate.

The Arab Reading Challenge is the world's largest Arabic reading initiative, organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). It aims to foster a love for reading among students. The challenge encourages young people to express their identity in Arabic and promotes the use of the language in daily life.

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Sheikh Mohammed expressed his admiration for the participants' dedication. "Today, we celebrate the winners of the 8th Arab Reading Challenge," he said. "I am deeply impressed by this young generation's passion for reading and immensely proud of their accomplishments." He also praised students with disabilities for their determination and achievements.

The ceremony was attended by over 1,500 guests, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other dignitaries. The event recognised winners in various categories such as "Outstanding Supervisor," "Community Champion," and "People of Determination Champion."

The Arab Reading Champions received AED500,000 each. Omar Abdul Latif from Egypt secured second place with AED100,000, while Sulaiman Al Shumaimari from Kuwait took third place with AED70,000. The 'Best School' title went to Al Ibdaa’ Model School - Cycle 1 from the UAE.

Country-level winning schools included institutions from Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine, UAE, Mauritania, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. These schools were recognised for their efforts in promoting reading among students.

Community Champions

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed awarded the 'Community Champion' title to Mohammed Abdul Fattah Al-Refaie from Sweden with a prize of AED100,000. Ahmed Abdul Raqib Ahmed from Malaysia won second place with AED70,000. Jana Al-Sayyed Hamdi from Greece secured third place with AED30,000.

This category allows students from Arab communities abroad and non-Arabs learning Arabic to participate. It includes an oral examination where students summarise key themes of books they have read in Standard Arabic.

People of Determination

In the People of Determination category, Sheikh Hamdan honoured Mohammed Ahmed Hassan Abdul Halim from Egypt with a prize of AED200,000. Louay Al Sharif from Tunisia came second with AED100,000; Joan Assem Asaad from Palestine was third with AED50,000.

The ceremony highlighted inspiring stories of students who participated despite challenges. The MBRGI team provided medical support to ensure these students could participate fully in the challenge.

Outstanding Supervisor

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed awarded Rabie Ahmed from Syria as ‘Best Supervisor’ with a prize of AED300,000. Eman Morsy Al Sayed Morsy from Egypt received AED100,000 for second place; Afrah Al Matootah from Kuwait earned AED50,000 for third place.

Country-level winning supervisors were recognised for their dedication to guiding students through the challenge process across various nations including Qatar and Bahrain.

Cultivating a Love of Reading

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi emphasised that the challenge embodies Sheikh Mohammed's vision to cultivate a love for reading among students. He stated that participation inspires optimism and confidence in a brighter future through knowledge as a cornerstone for character development.

The initiative has grown significantly since its launch in 2015-2016 under Sheikh Mohammed's directives. It aims to empower youth by fostering an appreciation for Arabic language richness while promoting tolerance and coexistence globally.

The unprecedented participation reflects its widespread impact both within and beyond the Arab world over eight editions since inception—131 million students have participated under guidance across numerous schools worldwide.

With inputs from WAM