His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed the plans and stages for implementing the “Arab Reading Challenge Endowment” during a ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The endowment, being developed by Shoba Group in Dubai at a cost of 500 million dirhams, will fully support the Arab Reading Challenge initiative and its strategic plans to enhance educational and cultural programmes and preserve the Arabic language. This effort aims to empower the new generations of Arabs with access to modern knowledge and sciences.
Details of the Endowment
This initiative was highlighted at the concluding ceremony of the tenth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, where Sheikh Mohammed listened to Rafi Menon, Chairman of the Shoba Group, who provided insights into the project’s design, architectural harmony with Dubai’s identity, and the functional and aesthetic vision for its construction. The endowment is set to be located in Al Barsha South 3 and will commence development in the first quarter of 2027, with completion anticipated within 36 months. It will feature a comprehensive project that combines residential units, offices, commercial activities, and service amenities, showcasing a design vision that balances aesthetic quality, economic efficiency, and operational sustainability.
An Impactful Contribution
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, asserted that the Arab Reading Challenge Endowment, established by Shoba Group, significantly reinforces the reading initiative’s standing. It enhances its capacity to achieve its educational and cultural objectives across the Arab world and globally, fostering awareness among the new generations and equipping them to navigate their educational and career paths, ultimately realizing their ambitions for community development and wellbeing.
Project Overview
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality and project supervisor, revealed that the endowment integrates seamlessly with Dubai’s urban identity, spanning 750,000 square feet. He noted that the project adheres to the highest sustainability standards and qualifies under the Silver category of the “Sefaat” rating system applicable across various building types in Dubai. The endowment will primarily consist of two towers, along with service and recreational facilities and numerous retail outlets. It aims to achieve stable occupancy rates and sustainable revenues to support the endowment’s objectives, targeting an expected investment return of 11% from the second year onward.
Establishing a Culture of Reading
In a prior agreement with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Shoba Group committed to contributing 500 million dirhams for the Arab Reading Challenge, established to promote reading and academic achievement as habitual practices among students and to enhance the status of the Arabic language as a core element of thought, culture, and identity. This project reflects the initiative’s mission to create a positive impact within Arab societies and on the Arab cultural landscape, empowering the upcoming generations to continue the rich Arab heritage.
Record Participation in the Challenge
Since its inception in 2015, the Arab Reading Challenge has seen exceptional success, with the tenth edition witnessing the largest participation to date, involving 40,286,428 students from 60 countries, representing around 48% of total students in the Arab educational sector. This year included participation from 138,426 schools and engaged 161,507 supervisors, marking an increase of 1,019% in participants compared to the first edition, which had 3.6 million participants.
Prize Incentives for Participants
The Arab Reading Challenge awards significant cash prizes to its top participants, with the champion receiving 500,000 dirhams, while the second and third place winners receive 100,000 and 70,000 dirhams respectively. Additionally, there are special prizes for individuals with determination, along with separate categories for communities, recognising students learning Arabic outside Arab countries. The total prize pool has reached 110 million dirhams by the tenth edition, with 11 million dirhams allocated annually for prizes aimed at encouraging excellence among participants.
Encouraging a Love for Knowledge
The Arab Reading Challenge, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, seeks to empower students across the Arab world and internationally by fostering a love for reading, improving comprehension and self-expression in the Arabic language. It aims to encourage young Arabs to embrace the Arabic language in their daily lives, contributing to the development of a knowledge-driven society. The challenge also endeavours to build a values-based framework for the youth by familiarising them with cultural values, customs, and beliefs from various communities.