Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that the ninth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge witnessed record-breaking participation.
As participants number reached 32,231,000 students, an increase of 14.2% compared to the eighth edition, which saw 28.2 million students take part.
Mohammed bin Rashid: “Arabic Language has no Childhood nor Old Age.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated on X (formerly Twitter):
“The noblest of languages… the vessel of our culture… the symbol of our civilization… the emblem of our unity and our history… the eternal Arabic language.
It has no childhood nor old age, protected by the will of God.
The Arab Reading Challenge is one of our closest initiatives to our hearts, aiming to strengthen it in the hearts of our generations.
In its ninth edition, participation reached 32 million students from 132,000 schools across 50 countries around the world.”
He added:
“I am proud of every participating student, proud of our great Arabic language, proud of our history and identity, and optimistic about renewed Arab generations who are rich in thought and knowledge while remaining deeply rooted in their culture and heritage.”
Finals of Arab Reading Challenge 2025
The final national rounds of the 2025 edition have commenced.
Each participating country will crown its national champions, who will then compete for the title of Arab Reading Challenge Champion.
Participants are required to read and summarize 50 books, demonstrating strong understanding and retention of key ideas.
The competition proceeds through a multi-level selection process.
From classrooms to schools, educational districts, and national levels—before choosing the finalists and winners.
A standardized set of criteria ensures fair and comprehensive evaluation of participants across all countries.
Winner Selection and Prizes
Specialized committees, in cooperation with the Challenge’s organizing bodies, evaluate participants across educational zones and provinces, eventually selecting the top 10 finalists and the national winner to compete for the overall title.
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Main Prizes Include:
Champion of the Arab Reading Challenge will win AED 500,000 to support educational journey and personal development.
While People of Determination Category Winner will win AED 200,000.
This category had 43,514 students in the ninth edition and participants in this group must read at least 25 books.
Coming to Best School Winner (from over 132,000 schools), the school will win AED 1 million.
In order to be reinvested in fostering a reading culture and improving academic levels.
Moreover, Outstanding Supervisor (from 161,004 supervisors) will win AED 300,000.
For excellence in guiding students toward reading and maximizing the value of books.
While Community Champion (from non-Arab countries or non-native Arabic speakers) will win AED 100,000
Arab Reading Challenge 2025 not only boosts literacy but reinforces identity, culture, and the love for the Arabic language among youth across the Arab world and beyond.
