The UAE Arab Reading Challenge continues to inspire a generation of young readers across the country. This year, Reem Adil Al Zarouni from Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi earned top honors at the national level.
The announcement took place at a ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday. Reem, a Year 8 student, triumphed over more than 810,000 pupils from 1,380 schools across the Emirates.
UAE Arab Reading Challenge organizers confirmed Reem read an impressive 300 books during the competition. Her deep understanding of the material helped her secure the top spot. She will now represent the UAE at the international grand final.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, praised her outstanding achievement. He posted on social media platform X to congratulate her and highlight her dedication.
He stated that her performance reflects a bright future for a generation that values reading and knowledge. Moreover, he also expressed pride in the participation levels seen across schools nationwide.
In the people of determination category, Abdullah Al Dhanhani from Hamad bin Abdullah Al Sharqi School in Fujairah was named winner. His success added another inspiring story to the event’s rich narrative.
Moreover, Zahra Hamad Ibrahim from Dubai received the Outstanding Supervisor award. She was recognized for her dedication to nurturing young readers. Atika Bint Zaid School – Cycle 1 in Sharjah took home the Best School Award.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, also attended the ceremony. He described the challenge as a direct result of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s forward-thinking initiatives.
He emphasized that the event is a celebration of the nation’s commitment to youth development. According to him, this success represents a generation that views reading as a foundation for excellence.
Additionally, Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri highlighted the transformative power of books. She remarked that reading builds dreams, encourages thought, and opens new possibilities for children.
Overall, the UAE Arab Reading Challenge reflects a national vision to cultivate knowledge, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning. With young champions like Reem, the future of literacy in the UAE looks brighter than ever.
