Dubai:Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the Arab Reading Challenge will announce the champions of its 10th edition on October 29, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will mark the culmination of a significant literacy initiative that attracted over 40 million students from 60 countries.
According to Wam, this year's edition of the challenge has recorded the highest participation in its history, with 40,286,428 students, including 74,062 in the People of Determination category. This represents a 24 percent increase from the previous edition and involves nearly 48 percent of school students in the Arab World, engaging 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors.
The closing ceremony will feature the crowning of the Arab Reading Challenge 2026 Champion, the People of Determination Champion, and winners in several other categories, including Best School, Outstanding Supervisor, and Communities Champion. The ultimate champion will receive AED500,000, with substantial prizes for second and third places. The People of Determination Champion and Community Champion will also receive significant awards, reflecting the initiative's commitment to inclusivity.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), emphasized the challenge's role in fostering knowledgeable, open-minded generations. He noted that the 10th edition's record-breaking participation demonstrates the initiative's widespread support across the Arab world and beyond.
The Arab Reading Challenge, launched in 2015, aims to promote literacy and a passion for knowledge among Arab youth. Its success is reflected in a 1,019 percent increase in participation since its inception. The initiative continues to empower young Arabs by enhancing their language skills and exposing them to diverse cultures, promoting tolerance and coexistence.