Latest news with #ReemAlZarouni
Khaleej Times
27-07-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Meet Reem AlZarouni, UAE's reading champion who's fighting climate change with bots
From books to bots — the UAE champion of the Arab Reading Challenge, 14-year-old Reem AlZarouni, is now using bots to fight climate change. The young Emirati from Al-Ittihad National Private School has invented 'PermaBot,' a device that could help detect dangerous permafrost thawing and alert communities before disaster strikes. The bot is a smart automated system designed to monitor permafrost, which is the frozen layer of soil found in some of the coldest regions on Earth. This phenomenon causes the frozen layer to potentially, over time, release toxic methane gases into the environment, making it a ticking climate bomb. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'The problem of permafrost is often overlooked, and I invented this bot to detect such contingencies and to protect organisms around it,' Reem told Khaleej Times. Reem's understanding in the field of climate is evident as she ranked among the top 30 winners in UNICEF's Net Zero Hero competition across the UAE, for her efforts in projects related to permafrost, plastic use, and waste recycling. 'Winning Net Zero Hero was more than just an award. It was a turning point that taught me age doesn't matter in making a difference,' she said, adding, 'Sustainability Practices are important and I try to implement them in my daily life as well as to raise awareness within our communities.' Passion in lit and tech The eighth-grader's victory against tens of thousands of students in the Arab Reading Challenge shaped her approach to problem-solving. Where others see separate interests, Reem sees connections between her passions in literature and technology. 'This was truly one of the most memorable moments in my life,' she told Khaleej Times about her reading triumph. 'Our country always pushed us to dream big, and I felt a deep sense of pride to even represent it in the finals." Reem juggles different practices at once and is always out for more. 'Balancing is not about doing everything at once; it's doing the right thing at the right time. My key is being organised and doing the work I am passionate about, so it counts as free time,' she explained. Family support fuels her achievements. 'My biggest support system was my family. They believed in my capabilities from my first step, encouraged me to dream big, and cheered me in each competition,' she shared. For young people wanting to pursue their interests and passions, Reem has a clear message: 'Believe in your voice, your ideas, and your power to make a difference. You don't have to wait to be an adult to make a difference, always dare yourself and take small steps at a time."
The National
01-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Emirati pupil wins Arab Reading Challenge after completing 300 books in one year
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has heaped praise on a young Emirati after she won a national reading contest against more than 810,000 school pupils. Reem Adil Al Zarouni, a Year 8 pupil at Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi, was named the winner of the ninth UAE Arab Reading Challenge at a ceremony held at Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday. She will now go on to represent the Emirates in the global grand final. Abdullah Al Dhanhani, from Hamad bin Abdullah Al Sharqi School in Fujairah, was winner in the people of determination category. "Congratulations to Reem Adel Al Zarouni of Al Ittihad National School in Abu Dhabi for her exceptional performance," said Sheikh Mohammed in a post on social media platform X. "During the challenge, she read 300 books and demonstrated a remarkable understanding of their content. I am proud of the participation of UAE students and delighted by this generation's passion for reading. The future of our nation is secure in the hands of a generation that embraces knowledge and reading.' The event attracted more than 810,000 pupils representing 1,380 schools and mentored by more than 2,000 supervisors. Tuesday's event was also attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. 'Crowning the UAE-level Arab Reading Challenge champion is a celebration of the nation's investment in its youth, yielding a harvest of success and achievement," said Sheikh Abdullah. "This achievement stemmed from the visionary initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and has resulted in a generation embracing reading as a path to excellence and innovation.' Zahra Hamad Ibrahim from Dubai received the Outstanding Supervisor award, and Atika Bint Zaid School - Cycle 1 (Sharjah) won the Best School Award. Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasised the important role that reading plays among young people. 'Reading opens new doors for understanding,' she said. "It sparks thinking and ambitions inside our children. Reading is the first step of any big dream."
