Passion for reading is 'true catalyst' for human progress

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai affirmed that a passion for reading is the true catalyst for human progress and a driving force behind community development, well-being, and prosperity.

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Sheikh Mohammed said: “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.”

Sheikh Mohammed made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the 9th Arab Reading Challenge at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where he crowned the twins Bisan and Baylasan Kouka from Tunisia as the 2025 Arab Reading Champions. The two were named winners from among more than 32 million students representing 132,112 schools across 50 countries, guided by 161,004 supervisors, as part of the world’s largest Arabic literacy initiative.

The awards ceremony was attended by Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and a number of senior officials.