13 million students sign up for UAE's reading challenge

Dubai - Last year's challenge had reached over 10.5 million students from 30 countries.

Over 13 million students from 49 countries have signed up for the fourth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge which will see them read at least 50 books this year, the UAE Vice-President has said.
Taking to Twitter to announce the start of the UAE's 'month of reading', His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: "Our region is stronger with enlightened young readers."
Last year's challenge had reached over 10.5 million students from 30 countries.
Mariam Amjoun, a nine-year-old Moroccan girl, had won the Dh500,000 cash prize after being declared the Arab reading champion of 2018.
March was designated as the national reading month by the UAE cabinet. Federal, local and private authorities have announced initiatives to mark the month.
The UAE has launched many initiatives to promote reading. The year 2015 was declared the Year of Reading. In 2016, the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, had issued the first of its kind law related to reading. The law established legislative frameworks, executive programmes and government responsibilities to promote reading around the country in a sustainable way.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai