November 20, 2008, DUBAI - Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Chairperson of Dubai Cares Board of Directors, today announced students from across the UAE collectively read 1,323,218 books during the two-week Million Book Challenge, exceeding the original 1-million book target. The announcement was made at an event held at The Address Hotel, marking the end of the challenge. Due to the direct efforts of 141,415 students from 159 schools in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Dubai, 1,323,218 books will be donated to children in need. Also, the Ministry of Social Affairs reported that special needs students participated in this campaign and proactively got involved.

"This program has not only allowed children to enhance their reading skills but it has clearly demonstrated to the world the philanthropic spirit of children in the United Arab Emirates" said Al Hashimy. "Dubai Cares recognizes the impact of parents and teachers who wholeheartedly embraced the campaign by personally encouraging both children and students." She also announced in response to the impressive achievement of students, Dubai Cares will create over 1,000 libraries in needy communities, adding to Dubai Cares' commitment to improving literacy. She explained: "By creating libraries, Dubai Cares is providing sustainable community centers of learning which effectively extend the reach of each book, maximizing the impact for students and their communities for generations." Dubai Cares is offering an opportunity for Dubai residents to build on the momentum created by students' contribution to strengthening literacy around the world by sponsoring a book for AED10 each.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Community Development donated books by local authors which were distributed to children who attend today's event. Stacked atop one another, one million books is, conservatively, four kilometers high, which is five times the height of Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world. The Burj Dubai, which has been used a visual thermometer to track the campaign's progress, was fully illuminated to mark the end of the program in recognition of students' efforts.

Considered the largest charitable establishment solely devoted to improving primary education globally, Dubai Cares is actively addressing the educational needs of more than four million children worldwide through partnerships with international aid agencies.