The Arab Reading Challenge is set to hold a grand ceremony on July 1, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre to honor the champions of its ninth edition across the UAE. This year saw a remarkable participation of 810,838 students.
Attendees will include Her Excellency Sara Bint Youssef Al Amiri, the Minister of Education, along with various officials and educators associated with the initiative, as well as a large gathering of students and parents from participating schools in the UAE.
This ninth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, organized under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, attracted an unprecedented involvement of 32,231,000 students from 50 countries, representing 132,112 schools, guided by 161,004 supervisors.
Aiming for the Title
In addition to announcing the champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in the UAE, the event will award the top contender in the special needs category, recognize the “Outstanding Supervisor,” and honor the “Outstanding School.”
Last year, Ahmed Faisal Ali from Dubai was crowned the champion of the eighth edition, which included over 700,000 students from 1,174 schools, supported by 1,897 supervisors. The title of “Outstanding Supervisor” went to Asem Ibara from Abu Dhabi, while the “Outstanding School” was awarded to the Innovation School in Dubai. The first place in the special needs category was won by Suleiman Khamis Suleiman Al Khdem from Fujairah.
Fostering a Reading Culture
The Arab Reading Challenge, the largest reading initiative of its kind in the Arabic language globally, was launched during the 2015-2016 academic year under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Its goal is to highlight the importance of reading among students in the Arab world and beyond, fostering creative thinking skills.
The challenge aims to create a comprehensive reading and knowledge movement that entrenches a reading culture in Arabic—capable of encompassing all forms of literature, science, and knowledge. It encourages the next generation to use the language in their daily interactions, equipping them with essential knowledge to contribute to a better future while enhancing their abilities and personalities. Furthermore, it enables them to engage with other cultures, promoting principles of tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance.