Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Crowns Tunisian Twins Bisan And Baylasan Kouka As 2025 Arab Reading Champions

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised that a love for reading is essential for human advancement. He stated, "Those who fall a step behind in acquiring knowledge today will soon find themselves miles behind in the ambitious race to lead in progress and global influence."

The 9th Arab Reading Challenge concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where Sheikh Mohammed crowned Tunisian twins Bisan and Baylasan Kouka as the 2025 Arab Reading Champions. They emerged victorious from over 32 million students across 132,112 schools in 50 countries, guided by 161,004 supervisors.

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The Tunisian twins were awarded AED500,000 after winning the final qualifying round in Dubai. Mohammed Jassim Ibrahim from Bahrain secured second place with AED100,000, while Mariam Mohammed Shamekh from Mauritania took third place with AED70,000. The event also honoured Sahar Misbah from Egypt as the ‘Outstanding Supervisor’.

Sheikh Mohammed joined coordinators from all participating countries for a group photo during the ceremony. These coordinators played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this edition at every stage. The event also celebrated winners in categories like ‘Best School’, ‘Community Champion’, and ‘People of Determination Champion’.

Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded Atika bint Zaid School – 1st Cycle from the UAE and Tarablus Al Haddadin School from Lebanon with the ‘Best School’ title. Each school received an AED500,000 prize. Ibn Khaldoun Primary School – Al Nafal from Saudi Arabia won second place with an AED500,000 prize.

Country-level champions who reached the final round included Adam Al Rawdani (Morocco), AlGhala Abdullah Al Hajeri (Qatar), Edris Ali Alyami (KSA), Baraa Mohammed Saeed (Djibouti), among others. These finalists represented their nations proudly in this prestigious competition.

Honouring Special Achievements

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awarded Maria Hassan Ojail from Iraq with the 2025 People of Determination Champion title and a prize of AED200,000. Basmala Salahuddin Suleiman from Egypt and Thulfiqar Ali Sabra from Lebanon came second and third respectively.

The ‘Community Champion’ title was awarded to Jehad Mohammed Murad from Italy by Sheikha Latifa. This category allows students from Arab communities abroad to participate. Students underwent oral exams summarising themes of 25 books they read to demonstrate their command of Standard Arabic.

Expanding Knowledge Horizons

The Arab Reading Challenge continues to play a significant role in promoting knowledge and culture within the Arab world. On December 18, 2024, the League of Arab States encouraged education ministries to integrate this initiative into their curricula to strengthen Arabic language heritage.

The challenge has engaged over 927,000 schools and more than 877,000 supervisors since its inception in 2015 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Participation has grown significantly from its first edition's 3.6 million students to over 32 million in its ninth edition qualifiers.

A Vision for Future Generations

The Arab Reading Challenge aims to foster a lifelong passion for reading among young Arabs while enhancing language skills such as comprehension and expression. It seeks to equip future generations with tools for creating better futures while promoting tolerance through exposure to diverse cultures.

The initiative aligns with shared goals of placing knowledge at the centre of future-building efforts across Arab ministries of education. It encourages students to broaden intellectual horizons while remaining connected globally yet rooted locally.

This year's awards ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum; H.H Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; along with senior officials.

With inputs from WAM