Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb has hailed the innovative idea of the Arab Reading Challenge Competition launched by the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to encourage youngsters to read Arabic books.

"The competition proves His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's constant support for intellectual and cultural initiatives that foster love of reading and establish for a culture of innovation," the Grand Imam said in statements today.

Such competitions inculcate the habit of reading and a passion for knowledge in future generations in the Arab world that was reflected in the strong response to the challenge, he added, expressing his happiness that Egypt's Sherif Sayed Mustafa came in second among the competition winners announced today.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed honoured the winners of the competition’s various categories and presented them their awards today.

Source: Wam