Humanitarian efforts deserve global respect

The Million Book Challenge launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, adds a new feather to the cap of Shaikh Mohammad's landmark humanitarian initiatives.

It extends beyond the UAE and the region to reach people all over the world. The initiative, announced on Sunday, aims to encourage people to read as an effective means to combat social diseases such as ignorance, illiteracy and poverty.

This project, which is part of Dubai Cares, was launched to the advantage of people everywhere especially those in need of health care and the eradication of illiteracy.

These initiatives are the essence of Shaikh Mohammad and as the patron of this landmark initiative, Shaikh Mohammad rises as an international figure to whom people from all walks of life bow in respect, gratitude and honesty.

Personality

People may have different ideas and views about the pioneering projects and construction works which are taking place in Dubai and the UAE today, but no two disagree about the great personality of Shaikh Mohammad and the fact that he is a Middle East figure who has gone beyond all borders to become an internationally acclaimed personality.

Despite Shaikh Mohammad's busy schedule, he devotes his life to finding ways of developing his country at all levels and thus make it a role model for all to see.

The phenomenal development of the country, which is seen through the construction of high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects, stands as evidence to Shaikh Mohammad's visionary leadership.

Shaikh Mohammad's main focus on the value and dignity of human beings is the motive behind his humanitarian initiatives that target people everywhere in the world.

By launching the Million Book Challenge, the first initiative of the Dubai Cares campaign, Shaikh Mohammad has urged thousands of students, aged between 3 and 14 years, in Dubai schools to read one million books in two weeks.

For each book read, Dubai Cares will purchase a book and donate it to children in need around the world. The distribution of books will be managed by the global organisation "Room to Read" and, for books in the Arab world, Arab NGOs.

The reading initiative is another testimony to Shaikh Mohammad's noble works in serving humanity, and is to be added to many other initiatives, such as Noor Dubai which aims to cure one million children suffering from eye problems.

Don't these humanitarian projects deserve a unified stand by all human bodies around the world to call for nominating Shaikh Mohammad for the Nobel Prize?

In my opinion, the Nobel Prize will benefit by adding to its list of honours if the award is presented to this Arab leader. This move will bring out the best in those who wish to follow in the footsteps of Shaikh Mohammad and contribute to his humanitarian march.

Abdul Gaffar Hussain is a UAE-based writer and researcher.