Tunisian Twins Crowned Arab Reading Champions by Sheikh Mohammed

Post by : Raina Nasser

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured Tunisian twins Bisan and Baylasan Kouka as the Arab Reading champions, celebrating their exceptional dedication to reading. The 12-year-old twins, who topped this year’s Arab Reading Challenge, received AED 500,000 for their remarkable achievement. This recognition highlights the growing impact of the Arab Reading Challenge, inspiring millions of students across the region to embrace literacy and cultivate a lifelong love of reading. By winning the prestigious Arab Reading Challenge, the twins have become a symbol of excellence and the power of education for young readers throughout the Arab world.

The Arab Reading Challenge also recognised outstanding participants from other countries, further emphasising the reach and influence of the Arab Reading Challenge. Mohammed Jassim Ibrahim from Bahrain secured second place, receiving AED 100,000, while Mariam Mohammed Shamekh from Mauritania ranked third with AED 70,000. The Arab Reading Challenge continues to spotlight exceptional talent, motivating students globally to pursue knowledge and literacy. Each award in the Arab Reading Challenge serves not only as recognition but also as encouragement for students to keep reading and nurturing intellectual curiosity.

Schools were celebrated as integral contributors to the Arab Reading Challenge’s success. Atika bint Zaid School from the UAE and Tarablus Al Haddadin School from Lebanon were jointly awarded the title of ‘Best School,’ sharing AED 1 million for their exemplary support of students participating in the Arab Reading Challenge. The recognition reinforces the importance of schools in promoting reading habits and supporting literacy initiatives like the Arab Reading Challenge. Through such awards, the Arab Reading Challenge highlights educational excellence and the collaborative role of schools in fostering a culture of reading.

Special categories in the Arab Reading Challenge further highlighted unique contributions to literacy and community engagement. Jehad Mohammed Murad from Italy was named 'Community Champion' with AED 100,000, while Sahar Misbah from Egypt received the 'Outstanding Supervisor' award with AED 300,000. Maria Hassan Ojail from Iraq earned AED 200,000 for winning in the 'People of Determination' category. These awards demonstrate the inclusive vision of the Arab Reading Challenge, recognising not only students but also supervisors and community members who contribute to literacy and education.

This year’s Arab Reading Challenge saw record participation, with more than 32 million students from 50 countries representing 132,112 schools and supported by 161,004 supervisors. Since its launch in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed, the Arab Reading Challenge has grown into the largest literacy initiative in the Arab world, promoting a culture of reading and learning. The Arab Reading Challenge continues to empower young readers, nurture intellectual growth, and reinforce the importance of Arabic language literacy, shaping a generation of informed and inspired students across the globe.