As digital distractions increasingly compete for children’s attention, educators in the UAE are debating whether reward systems can effectively bridge the gap between screen time and book time. Following a similar initiative in Singapore that offers tangible rewards for daily reading, many local schools have begun implementing their own incentive programs. From "Reading Passports" and Dojo points to certificates and class-wide recognition, these strategies are designed to lower the barrier to entry, helping reluctant readers overcome the initial resistance to picking up a book in an era of instant digital gratification.

However, experts emphasize that while rewards are excellent for building a habit, they should not be the ultimate goal. Amel Dali-Bey of Nord Anglia International School Dubai notes that external incentives are merely a starting point to spark curiosity, with the long-term aim being the development of a genuine, self-sustaining love for literature. Life coach Girish Hemnani echoes this sentiment, warning that while gold stars can solve the "activation problem" of getting a child to open a book, they cannot replace the internal satisfaction of a good story. Ultimately, schools are focusing on creating a vibrant, social culture around reading—ensuring that once the scaffolding of rewards is removed, students continue to find personal meaning and joy in the act of reading itself.