Arab Reading Challenge crowns champions of its tenth edition
Over 40 million students from 60 countries have participated in this year's initiative, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presiding over the celebration of literacy and learning across the Arab world.
The tenth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge will reach its crescendo on 29th October 2026, when the Dubai World Trade Centre hosts a closing ceremony to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in the promotion of Arabic literacy. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the initiative will crown its champions and recognise the remarkable achievements of millions of young readers across the Arab world and beyond.
This year’s participation has shattered all previous records. The challenge drew 40,286,428 students across 60 countries, representing a 24 percent increase from the ninth edition and encompassing 48 percent of all school students across the Arab world. Among these participants were 74,062 students in the People of Determination category, whilst 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors guided learners through their reading journeys. The expansion to 60 countries marks the first time the initiative has reached such geographical breadth.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reflected on the significance of this achievement, stating that nurturing young minds represents an investment in a nation’s future. He emphasised that the Arabic language, which for centuries served as a catalyst for human and social progress, will reclaim its former prominence through the dedication and brilliance of its youth. The challenge embodies this vision by equipping new generations with the tools of learning and creating environments that cultivate a deep appreciation for the language whilst encouraging exploration of global literature and culture.
The closing ceremony will feature the crowning of five principal champions: the Arab Reading Challenge 2026 Champion, the People of Determination Champion, and winners of the Best School, Outstanding Supervisor and Communities Champion titles. The ultimate champion will receive AED500,000, whilst second and third place winners receive AED100,000 and AED70,000 respectively. The Best School award carries a prize of AED1 million for first place, with AED500,000 and AED300,000 for runners-up. Since its launch in 2015, the challenge has distributed AED110 million in prizes, with AED11 million awarded annually to winners.
Since its inception, the Arab Reading Challenge has witnessed extraordinary expansion. The inaugural edition engaged 3.6 million students; the tenth edition represents a 1,019 percent increase, reflecting the profound resonance of this literacy initiative across the Arab region. The challenge aims to strengthen comprehension and self-expression, foster a lasting passion for knowledge in new generations and shape their value systems through exposure to diverse cultures and traditions, promoting principles of tolerance and coexistence. Over its ten editions, the initiative has engaged more than 1.065 million school participations and mobilised over 1.193 million reading supervisors.
Source: WAM