The Arab Reading Challenge has attracted more than 3.5 million students of 54 nationalities who have collectively read more than 150 million books. Announced last September by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the challenge has inspired younger generations across the region to read.
The idea of the challenge is simple: entice young readers to the joys of reading with prizes. But prizes should only be the first step. The ultimate gift of embracing the world of reading as a child is only fully realised in adulthood. That ultimate prize is a love of learning and the gift of knowledge.
As the winners gather at the Dubai Opera next Monday, the message will be focused on the future. Now that so many young people have been enticed to the joys of reading, they can continue on a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, curiosity and creativity. An appreciation of reading at an early age in children, as Sheikh Mohammed knows, is a brilliant investment in the future health of society.
