The top contenders from various Arab nations participating in the ninth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge are entering the final and decisive phase of this literary competition, which is recognized as the largest of its kind in the Arabic language worldwide.
Today, the champions of the ninth season will be crowned during the concluding ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, following an intense competition that saw participation from over 32 million students aiming for the title.
As the day of the awards approaches, every participant in the final round dreams of seizing the title, despite the tough challenges posed by similarly skilled competitors as the ninth edition reaches its conclusion.
Each student vying for the title in their respective country has faced challenges before achieving their top position, along with an inspiring story that deserves to be told. Undoubtedly, they all deserve the title of champion, and every participant in the Arab Reading Challenge is a winner in their own right.
Reem Alzarooni – Champion of the UAE
Having read over 300 books throughout her journey in the Arab Reading Challenge, they significantly shaped her personality and understanding of life. Among these were “My Story” and “Thoughts of a Leader” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. Reem Aadil Alzarooni is the student who emerged as the champion of the Arab Reading Challenge’s ninth edition in the UAE, having competed against more than 810,000 students from 1,380 schools, supervised by over 2,005 mentors.
Recalling her reading journey, Reem highlights literary works that profoundly influenced her and inspired her to embrace extensive reading and writing, such as “The Daughter of the Pearl Diver” by Emirati author Maitha Al Khayat, and “The Little Prince” by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Reem expresses: “Every book I read added a page to my record of accomplishments. My future ambitions will revolve around benefiting my country and raising its flag high, aiming to establish Arabic as an identity rather than just a hobby.”
She is actively involved in artificial intelligence competitions and has a passion for poetry and storytelling, stating: “I am passionate about writing; I find myself within the lines, engaging with the characters I create.” Reem also dreams of initiating a project that supports writers who have faced life circumstances preventing them from publishing their work.
Idris Al-Yami – Champion of Saudi Arabia
Idris Ali Al-Yami claimed the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge for the ninth edition in Saudi Arabia after a contest that set remarkable records in terms of participation.
In this edition, 1,820,021 students from 19,550 schools participated, under the supervision of 24,989 mentors, and he aims to win the title of champion in the 2025 Arab Reading Challenge.
Idris began his reading journey in the second grade and read 264 books during the Arab Reading Challenge, ensuring a diverse selection across various fields, believing that reading opens doors to opportunities, nourishes thought, and develops language skills and personality.
He shares that reading has made him calmer and more appreciative of diversity and understanding of others, helping him discover himself and shape his visions for the future. He states:
“My greatest motivation for participating in the Arab Reading Challenge was my desire to proudly represent my country and raise its flag in this grand event. I wasn’t sure I would reach this stage, but through hard work and passion, I achieved this milestone.”
Ghala Al-Hajri – Champion of Qatar
Student Ghala Abdullah Khalid Al-Hajri aspires to be a pediatrician, a dream reinforced by her victory as the champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in Qatar’s ninth edition, which attracted 177,197 students from 382 schools, supervised by 3,735 mentors.
Regarding her motivation to participate, Ghala states: “When I read, I felt immersed in a dream that I didn’t want to end. Reading is not just a transient hobby; it is the key to minds, a bridge between civilizations, and the essence of progress and innovation. Through reading, we travel to realms we haven’t explored and engage with the minds of great thinkers, drawing from their experiences.”
Ghala Cultivated her relationship with reading at the age of four, completing 70 various books, both physical and digital, considering each as an entry into a new world, thus making reading an integral part of her daily life.
Adam Al-Roudani – Champion of Morocco
In his quest for the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in Morocco, student Adam Al-Roudani read 80 books, the most impactful one being “The Two Heroic Leaders,” a book by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that narrates the stories of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, highlighting their vision in establishing the United Arab Emirates and turning dreams into reality.
Through perseverance and dedication, Adam secured the title after national rounds involving 4,342,048 students from 14,197 schools, supervised by 20,200 mentors. He firmly believes that “reading is self-discovery and a fundamental pillar, without which nothing can be built or achieved.”
Miriam Chamkh – Champion of Mauritania
Despite being a first-time participant in the Arab Reading Challenge, student Miriam Mohamed Chamkh won the title of champion in the ninth edition in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, concluded with competitions among 261,662 students from 235 schools under the supervision of 1,889 mentors.
Miriam, an outstanding student, read approximately 100 books during her participation in the Arab Reading Challenge, confidently aiming for first place in Mauritania despite being aware of the challenge posed by her competitors. She states:
“I loved reading from the moment I learned to read and write. My journey began with my father’s books at home, but my true initiation came with my participation in the ninth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, where I became captivated by various topics, especially those discussing the building and gaining of friendships and the characteristics of a true friend.”
The champion of Mauritania reflects that her companionship with books has endowed her with increased self-confidence, the ability to overcome adversity, and improved interpersonal skills.
Rahaf Abdullah – Champion of Yemen
Student Rahaf Sami Jamil Abdullah earned the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in Yemen after a competitive final round among students representing 996 schools, supervised by 100 mentors.
Rahaf explains: “My passion for reading drove my participation in the Arab Reading Challenge, which embodies my hobby and reflects the power of words within me.”
She emphasizes that reading is more than just a hobby—it is a manifestation of the details of life we live, and the voice of readers must rise above all the noise and chaos. “I have great expectations and strive to be a role model for a generation proud of its language and authentic culture,” she adds.
During her journey in the challenge, the champion from Yemen has read over 400 books, including 120 books specifically for this event.
Taghreed Mohamed – Champion of Egypt (Ministry Level)
Taghreed Mohamed Abdel Aleem Mohamed deservedly earned the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge at the Ministry of Education level in Egypt, witnessing unprecedented participation with 17,608,366 students from 30,575 schools under the guidance of 41,225 mentors.
She shares, “My deep love for reading since childhood and my constant desire to discover more realms of knowledge and delve into the beauty of the Arabic language motivated me to participate in the Arab Reading Challenge. This initiative offered me a tremendous opportunity to indulge my passion for reading, with the added motivation of meeting friends from different Arab countries, enriching my experience and its impact on my life.”
Taghreed began her reading journey in preschool and has read over 500 books across various genres, including more than 100 on personal development and children’s rights. The book that has most impacted her is “Kalila and Dimna” by Abdullah ibn al-Muqaffa.
Mohamed El-Hussain – Champion of Al-Azhar
Mohamed Ahmed El-Hussain expresses his confidence in achieving victory, stating: “Reaching this stage was not a guess; I was certain I would get there.” He won the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in its ninth edition at Al-Azhar in Egypt after rounds featuring 2,112,004 students from 9,700 Al-Azhar institutions, supervised by 8,050 mentors.
Mohamed has read over 200 books across various fields.
The champion of Al-Azhar states: “Reading is the mother of knowledge and the foundation of all sciences. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, ‘Books are vessels of thought and factories of values for generations.’
Mohamed Jassim – Champion of Bahrain
Student Mohamed Jassim read approximately 200 books across various literary, scientific, and historical domains, justifying his title as champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in its ninth edition in Bahrain, concluding a round with participation from 137,375 students from 241 schools, supervised by 489 mentors. Mohamed reflects on his participation: “Since childhood, the book has been my first companion, a friend I cherish.”
Aysha Nazim – Champion of Iraq
Through her dedication, student Aysha Nizar Nazim rightfully earned the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in its ninth edition in Iraq, following rounds featuring 1,339,270 students from 38,100 schools, under the supervision of 16,310 mentors. She has read 60 books across various genres.
Aysha expresses, “My ambitions involve expanding my reading scope to better serve my country and become a keeper of the Quran. Reading nourishes the soul and heals the body, providing motivation for a beautiful life. My parents and those around me have noticed my growth in knowledge, calmness, and patience.”
Noha Abdul Salam – Champion of Libya
Student Noha Taha Abdul Salam triumphed over 125,000 competitors from 1,650 schools, supervised by 1,632 mentors, and earned the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in its ninth edition in Libya.
Noha states, “Since childhood, reading has brought me unparalleled joy. My reading journey began when my father taught me to memorize the Quran at age three. Once I learned the letters, my mother encouraged me to explore stories at six.”
“My participation in the eighth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge made me realize my passion for reading. Now, entering the ninth edition, this has not just been a desire for accomplishment, but a new step toward self-improvement with every book I read.” She has read around 200 books.
Bisan and Bilsan Koka – Champions of Tunisia
These twin students, Bisan and Bilsan Koka, earned the title of champions of the Arab Reading Challenge in its ninth edition in Tunisia, among 128,666 students from 2,100 schools, under the supervision of 5,820 mentors. They equally deserved their spot on the podium in Tunisia after demonstrating impressive levels of knowledge and mastery of the Arabic language.
Bisan Koka participated in the ninth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, driven by her love for reading since the age of five and ambition to achieve top ranks. On her way to the title, she read over 300 books across scientific, literary, and personal development fields, with “The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran being her favorite. Bilsan Koka adds:
“My goal in the Arab Reading Challenge wasn’t just to increase the number of books I read, but rather the real wealth gained from lessons and meanings within the words, as I delved into the depths of existence and found myself transcending my narrow self and reality in pursuit of my profound self. I am also passionate about challenge and the Arabic language; it’s beautiful when they unite in one challenge.”
Hiba Abou Baker – Champion of Palestine
Student Hiba Mahmoud Hussein Abou Baker has successfully claimed the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in its ninth edition in Palestine, following record participation from 688,732 students across 1,675 schools, overseen by 4,509 mentors.
Hiba reflects: “My participation in the Arab Reading Challenge wasn’t a transient desire but a deep-rooted dream since my childhood. I watched the faces of champions on the podium and felt a connection pulling me toward that path, leading me to believe that reading is not mere entertainment or a void to fill, but rather a path to human development and dream creation.”
Bara’a Said – Champion of Djibouti
After a fierce competition among participants, student Bara’a Mohammed Ahmed Said successfully secured the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in the ninth edition in Djibouti, motivated by her love for reading. She states:
“I see reading as another life; it has allowed me to comprehend the world more deeply and opened doors of wisdom and knowledge accumulated by humanity across centuries. Reading has always been and continues to be an inseparable part of my life.”
Bara’a has read 110 books and was particularly influenced by “The Road to Excellence” by Dr. Ibrahim El-Feki, learning that the path to success is filled with obstacles, but nothing is impossible.
Ghalia Al-Anzi – Champion of Kuwait
Her role model in life is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She is student Ghalia Nasser Al-Anzi, the champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in its ninth edition in Kuwait, following competitions involving 213,771 students from 835 schools under the supervision of 1,515 mentors.
Ghalia expresses: “Reading has transformed me into a new person. It has changed the way I interact with people, instilling a deeper ability to understand and listen. I read to understand, and understanding helps me project a confident voice. Reading has equipped me with an eloquent language to articulate my thoughts, making my interactions with others clearer, deeper, and closer to their hearts. I have become more adaptable to differing opinions and more capable of engaging in meaningful dialogues.”
She adds: “My journey with reading has not been a fleeting hobby, but rather a hopeful story. I have read 330 books across diverse fields, with each creating a unique mark in my narrative, having an unforgettable and indelible impact.”
Lamaar Al-Jaafra – Champion of Jordan
Student Lamaar Tarek Ali Al-Jaafra was honored with the title of champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in its ninth edition in Jordan, after a competition involving two million students from 5,807 schools, overseen by 7,821 supervisors, winning first place with notable excellence. Lamaar shares:
“I adore reading; I adore it deeply. Such overwhelming feelings cannot arise from a new encounter; they stem from a long journey spent with books as my companions. I may struggle to recall when this journey precisely began, but I am certain it has been since my early childhood, explaining my strange bond with books.” She has read over 200 books and asserts that reading has profoundly shaped her ambitions.
Abdul Razak Al-Asmar – Champion of Lebanon
Student Abdul Razak Al-Asmar, the champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in Lebanon for this edition, among 23,361 students from 203 schools under the supervision of 167 mentors, affirms that reading has transformed his behavior and thoughts.
He now chooses his friends based on knowledge and ethics. His aspirations and goals have evolved, and his greatest dream is to become an author, delivering a message of goodness and enlightenment through his writing.
Nardeen Issa – Champion of Syria
“My thirst for knowledge initially pushed me to participate, and the allure of challenge compelled me to test my limits and prove that willpower overcomes difficulties. I believed that each page I turned brought me closer to myself and built a new individual inside me. I did not wait to reach a specific stage because I saw the journey itself as the prize; reading is the greatest victory,” explains student Nardeen Fadi Georges Issa, the champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in Syria, after competing among 583,127 students from 5,005 schools, under the supervision of 9,749 mentors.
Reem Alzarooni:
Every book I read added a page to my record of accomplishments.
Idris Al-Yami:
Reading has made me calmer and more appreciative of diversity.
Ghala Al-Hajri:
Reading is the key to minds, a bridge between civilizations, and the essence of progress.
Adam Al-Roudani:
Reading is self-discovery and a fundamental pillar; without it, nothing can be built.
Miriam Chamkh:
Books have given me confidence and the ability to overcome difficulties.
Rahaf Abdullah:
The challenge reflects my passion and illustrates the power of words within me.
Taghreed Mohamed:
This challenge offered me a great opportunity to live my passion for reading.
Mohamed El-Hussain:
Reading is the mother of knowledge and the foundation of all sciences.
Mohamed Jassim:
Since childhood, books have been my first companion.
Aysha Nazim:
Reading nurtures the soul and heals the body, serving as a motivator for a beautiful life.
Noha Abdul Salam:
Every book I read is a new step towards self-development.
Hiba Abou Baker:
Reading is the path to building human potential and realizing dreams.