Tenth Arab Reading Challenge to name winner on 29 October; record 40 million students participated
By Dubai Currents Staff2 min read
The Arab Reading Challenge will name the winners of its tenth edition on 29 October 2026 during a closing ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, said the initiative reflects the country’s dedication to the Arabic language and to fostering generations who see reading and knowledge as the foundation of progress.
“The future of a nation begins with nurturing its young minds. Our investment in the Reading Challenge is an investment in a better future for all,” he stated. “For centuries, the Arabic language served as the driving force for human and social progress. It will restore its former glory once again with the dedication and brilliant minds of its youth.”
Record participation across 60 countries
Organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), this year’s edition attracted more than 40 million students from 60 countries, including 74,062 participants in the People of Determination category.
The turnout represents a 24 per cent increase compared with the ninth edition and accounts for 48 per cent of all school students across the Arab world. A total of 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors took part in the challenge.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, described the tenth edition as a landmark. “The tenth edition is a major milestone for the Arab Reading Challenge, drawing a record-breaking participation of over 40 million students and expanding across 60 countries for the first time,” he said. “This remarkable reach reflects the deep appreciation and support the initiative commands across the Arab world and beyond.”
Prize categories and cumulative awards
The ceremony will crown winners in several categories. The Arab Reading Challenge champion will receive Dh500,000, with Dh100,000 for second place and Dh70,000 for third. The People of Determination champion will get Dh200,000, followed by Dh100,000 for second and Dh50,000 for third.
Best School will receive Dh1 million, with Dh500,000 for second and Dh300,000 for third. Outstanding Supervisor prizes are Dh300,000 for first, Dh100,000 for second, and Dh50,000 for third. A Community Champion category, open to students outside the Arab world, non-native Arabic speakers and those learning Arabic as a second language, awards a total of Dh200,000: Dh100,000 for first, Dh70,000 for second and Dh30,000 for third.
Since the challenge was launched, total prize money awarded has reached Dh110 million, with Dh11 million distributed to winners each year.
Growth since launch
Launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed as the largest Arab literacy initiative of its kind, the Arab Reading Challenge has expanded rapidly. Participation in the tenth edition is 1,019 per cent higher than the first edition, which drew 3.6 million students.
The ninth edition brought together 32.231 million students from 50 countries. The main title went to Tunisian twins Bisan and Baylasan Kouka, while Maria Hassan Ajil from Iraq won the People of Determination category.
The challenge aims to encourage reading among students across the Arab world and beyond, strengthen language skills, and cultivate a lasting passion for knowledge and the Arabic language.
