Arabic Reading Challenge in Dubai - in pictures

  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with the six finalists at the Arabic Reading competition at Dubai Opera. Left to right, Mohammed Jamil (Bahrain), Rashid Al Khateeb (Jordan), Sham Bakour (Syria), Adam al Qasimi (Tunisia), Ghala Al Enzi (Kuwait) and Areej Al Qarni (Saudi Arabia). All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with the six finalists at the Arabic Reading competition at Dubai Opera. Left to right, Mohammed Jamil (Bahrain), Rashid Al Khateeb (Jordan), Sham Bakour (Syria), Adam al Qasimi (Tunisia), Ghala Al Enzi (Kuwait) and Areej Al Qarni (Saudi Arabia). All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Winner of the 2018 Arabic Reading competition, Maryam Amjoun of Morocco, reads a selection of Sheikh Mohammed's writing.
    Winner of the 2018 Arabic Reading competition, Maryam Amjoun of Morocco, reads a selection of Sheikh Mohammed's writing.
  • Contestants from different regions and countries participated in the Arabic Reading competition.
    Contestants from different regions and countries participated in the Arabic Reading competition.
  • The event included special performances.
    The event included special performances.
  • The Arab Reading Challenge was launched by Sheikh Mohammed in 2015 to encourage a million young people to read at least 50 books in a year.
    The Arab Reading Challenge was launched by Sheikh Mohammed in 2015 to encourage a million young people to read at least 50 books in a year.
  • Sham Bakour of Syria won first place.
    Sham Bakour of Syria won first place.
  • Sham Bakour was draped in a Syrian flag as she spoke to attendees.
    Sham Bakour was draped in a Syrian flag as she spoke to attendees.
  • The annual winner is selected based on the pupil's ability to articulate general knowledge, their critical thinking and communication skills, plus the diversity of books they have selected.
    The annual winner is selected based on the pupil's ability to articulate general knowledge, their critical thinking and communication skills, plus the diversity of books they have selected.
  • Sheikh Mohammed greeting the crowds at Dubai Opera.
    Sheikh Mohammed greeting the crowds at Dubai Opera.
  • Sheikh Mohammed with winner, Sham Bakour from Syria.
    Sheikh Mohammed with winner, Sham Bakour from Syria.
  • Contestants proudly wore their national flags at the event.
    Contestants proudly wore their national flags at the event.
  • Each contestant represented their home nation.
    Each contestant represented their home nation.
  • Children enjoying the event at Dubai Opera.
    Children enjoying the event at Dubai Opera.
  • Noor Al Jboor was another winner at the reading challenge.
    Noor Al Jboor was another winner at the reading challenge.