In a celebration that captured hearts across the Arab world, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, crowned two young Tunisian twins as the Arab Reading Champions of 2025. The moment was not only a victory for the sisters, but also a powerful symbol of how reading continues to shape the next generation across the Arab world.
Held at the grand Dubai World Trade Centre, the ceremony marked the ninth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, the largest reading initiative in the region. The audience watched with pride and emotion as Bisan and Bilsan Kouka, both aged twelve, lifted the trophy, becoming the youngest winners in the history of the competition.
A Defining Moment for Arab Youth
The Arab Reading Champions award has grown into one of the Arab world’s most anticipated educational events. It celebrates not only the love of books but also the power of ideas, imagination, and personal growth that comes from reading. The 2025 edition brought together more than 32 million students from nearly 50 countries, each competing for the title of the best reader in the Arab world.
When Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid placed the golden medal around the necks of the young sisters, the applause was thunderous. For many, it was a moment that went beyond celebration. It was a symbol of what the future of the Arab world could look like: educated, curious, confident, and deeply connected to its language and culture.
In his speech, Sheikh Mohammed praised the youth of the Arab world, saying that they are building bridges between knowledge and achievement and that books remain the best companion for bright minds. His words echoed throughout the hall, reminding everyone that reading is the foundation upon which great nations are built.
Who Are the Tunisian Arab Reading Champions
The winners, Bisan and Bilsan Kouka, are twin sisters from Tunisia who share a deep passion for reading. Their story is both inspiring and humbling. Despite their young age, they have read hundreds of books—stories of history, science, culture, and imagination—that have shaped their understanding of the world.
Their father proudly revealed that one of the secrets behind their success was a simple rule at home: no phones, only books. In a time when digital distractions dominate children’s lives, the twins grew up in an environment where reading was not just encouraged but celebrated. Their home became a small world of learning, curiosity, and storytelling.
Every evening, the twins spent hours reading, summarizing books, and discussing ideas with their parents and teachers. Their journey began as participants in school-level competitions in Tunisia. They went on to win the national challenge before qualifying for the regional finals in Dubai, where they faced some of the brightest young readers from across the Arab world.
Their victory is not only a personal achievement but also a triumph for Tunisia and the wider Arab community. It shows how family support, discipline, and love for knowledge can turn ordinary children into extraordinary achievers.
The Arab Reading Challenge A Vision for the Future
The Arab Reading Challenge is more than just a competition; it is a cultural movement. Launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the initiative aims to encourage Arab students to read at least fifty books each year. Over time, the challenge has evolved into a massive campaign promoting literacy, language preservation, and intellectual growth among millions of young Arabs.
The challenge begins at the school level, where students are encouraged to read and summarize books. Winners from schools compete at the national level, and then finalists move on to the regional stage, where one student is crowned as the Arab Reading Champion. The program also recognizes the best schools, supervisors, and institutions that promote reading culture.
The impact has been nothing short of transformative. In many countries, reading rates among students have multiplied several times since the program began. Schools have introduced reading corners, libraries have seen more visitors, and children are now writing their own stories inspired by the books they read.
For many students, the competition is not about winning. It is about falling in love with learning. The Arab Reading Challenge has succeeded in turning reading from a school requirement into a joyful habit that opens doors to creativity, empathy, and lifelong growth.
Why the Tunisian Victory Matters
When the Tunisian twins were named the Arab Reading Champions, it was a proud moment for Tunisia and a milestone for the entire Arab world. It showed that excellence can come from any country, big or small, and that opportunities for greatness are available to anyone with passion and perseverance.
This victory carries several powerful messages.
- Youth Empowerment: The win highlights the strength and intelligence of Arab youth. It shows that even at a young age, children can achieve remarkable things when guided and motivated.
- Cultural Identity: By reading extensively in Arabic, the twins helped reinforce the importance of preserving the Arabic language as a tool of knowledge, creativity, and cultural pride.
- Educational Transformation: Their story proves that family involvement and supportive schools can dramatically improve children’s love for reading. When parents and teachers work together, learning becomes unstoppable.
- Inspiration for Millions: The image of two young girls standing proudly with their medals sends a clear message to other children that success begins with a book.
The Tunisian twins’ win symbolizes a new wave of hope. It shows that reading is not just about memorizing information. It is about understanding life, connecting with others, and finding one’s own voice.
Inside the Journey How the Twins Became Champions
The path to becoming Arab Reading Champions was not easy. The competition’s requirements are tough. Participants must not only read a large number of books but also summarize them, present their understanding, and answer detailed questions from the judges.
For Bisan and Bilsan, preparation took months. They organized their reading schedule carefully, dividing their time between schoolwork, reading sessions, and practice interviews. Their teachers guided them on how to analyze books, identify key ideas, and express thoughts clearly. Over time, their confidence grew, and their love for reading deepened.
They read books from various genres including fiction, science, history, biographies, and even poetry. The variety expanded their vocabulary and helped them think critically about different topics. More importantly, it taught them discipline, patience, and consistency, skills that will serve them for life.
During the finals in Dubai, their presentation stood out. The judges praised their eloquence, strong comprehension, and the depth of their reflections. When they spoke about how reading shaped their view of the world, the audience was visibly moved. Their sincerity and confidence won hearts long before the final announcement.
Mohammed bin Rashid’s Vision for Reading
The success of the Arab Reading Challenge stems from the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who has consistently championed education as the foundation of national progress. He believes that a nation that reads is a nation that leads, and that nurturing a reading culture among young Arabs is key to building a bright future.
Through his global initiatives, Sheikh Mohammed has launched several projects to promote literacy, knowledge, and innovation. The Arab Reading Challenge remains one of the most impactful, reaching tens of millions of students each year.
He once said, “A book builds a generation. A generation builds a nation.” This belief is reflected in how the challenge not only rewards top readers but also motivates entire schools and communities to invest in learning and curiosity.
The crowning of the Tunisian twins as Arab Reading Champions perfectly embodies this vision, a celebration of knowledge, effort, and the limitless potential of the Arab youth.
The Broader Impact of the Arab Reading Champions
The influence of the Arab Reading Challenge goes far beyond individual winners. It has become a social and cultural movement that is transforming how young Arabs perceive reading.
Reviving the Arabic Language
At a time when many young people are drawn toward other global languages, this initiative helps strengthen the use of Arabic. By encouraging students to read in their native language, it reinforces cultural identity and pride.
Creating a Reading Generation
Millions of students now spend hours daily reading and summarizing books. Schools have seen an increase in reading clubs, storytelling sessions, and library visits. Reading is no longer seen as a chore; it is a celebration.
Uniting the Arab World Through Knowledge
The competition brings together participants from across the Arab world and beyond. It breaks geographical barriers and unites people through the shared value of learning. The Arab Reading Champions symbolize unity in diversity.
Inspiring Educational Reform
Governments, educators, and parents are taking note. Many education ministries have begun implementing reading programs inspired by the challenge, realizing that reading is the gateway to academic success.
Empowering Young Women
The victory of two young girls is a reminder of the growing role of women in shaping the future of the Arab world. Their success sends a message of empowerment, showing that education and determination know no gender boundaries.
Lessons from the Arab Reading Champions
The story of Bisan and Bilsan carries lessons for everyone—parents, teachers, and students alike.
For Parents: Create a home environment that values books over screens. Encourage children to read daily and discuss what they learn.
For Teachers: Inspire curiosity. Introduce students to different genres, guide discussions, and help them see reading as a path to discovery.
For Students: Be curious. Read what interests you, explore new ideas, and challenge yourself to understand the world through stories.
For Schools: Build reading communities. Organize book fairs, competitions, and reading clubs that celebrate learning beyond textbooks.
For Policymakers: Continue to invest in libraries, educational content, and national literacy programs.
When everyone plays their part, reading becomes a collective strength, fueling innovation, empathy, and growth.
A New Era of Literacy and Hope
As the 2025 Arab Reading Challenge concluded with the Tunisian twins being crowned as Arab Reading Champions, one thing became clear: a new generation of readers is rising. These young minds are not only shaping their own futures but also contributing to a more thoughtful, educated, and united Arab world.
The joy on the twins’ faces as they held their trophies represented the dreams of millions of students who now believe in the power of reading. Their story will continue to inspire classrooms, families, and communities across the region.
From a small home in Tunisia to a grand stage in Dubai, their journey stands as proof that words have the power to change lives. It also serves as a reminder that when we invest in reading, we invest in the future itself.
The title Arab Reading Champions now belongs to two remarkable young sisters. But its spirit belongs to every child who opens a book, every teacher who encourages curiosity, and every parent who believes in the magic of learning.
Conclusion
The crowning of Bisan and Bilsan Kouka as the Arab Reading Champions is more than just an award ceremony; it is a celebration of intellect, language, and the boundless potential of the Arab youth. It proves that in a world full of distractions, books still hold the key to success, imagination, and enlightenment.
Their story will echo through classrooms and homes for years to come. It stands as a living example of how discipline, love for knowledge, and the support of family and mentors can transform dreams into reality.
Reading has always been the foundation of civilization. Today, thanks to initiatives like the Arab Reading Challenge and the inspiring example of its young champions, the Arab world is experiencing a true cultural revival, one book at a time.
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