On Twitter today, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shared the news that the Arab Reading Challenge has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the largest global reading initiative. The project has attracted a massive participation of 24.8 million students from 46 countries.
Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed announced that the seventh edition of the Arab Reading Challenge in 2023 has witnessed unprecedented engagement, with a remarkable 11% increase compared to the previous year. This year’s Challenge has garnered the participation of approximately 24.8 million students, including more than 22,500 determined individuals, demonstrating its inclusive nature.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “With a record participation of 24.8 million students from 46 countries, the Arab Reading Challenge has become the world’s largest reading project. Focusing exclusively on reading in Arabic, our aim is to instil in the young generation a love of our language and strengthen their connection to the Arab culture, roots and civilisation.
He also added, “Thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to this global project in every participating country, and thank you to more than 150,000 reading supervisors who made this achievement a reality.”
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, emphasized the transformative impact of the Arab Reading Challenge, initiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum seven years ago. The Challenge has become a significant milestone in promoting reading, expanding knowledge, and exploring the beauty and potential of the Arabic language.
He said, “This year’s 7th Arab Reading Challenge is particularly significant for many reasons. For the first time ever, the Challenge has added a new category for People of Determination to help nurture their potential and enhance their inclusion in the Arab cultural scene and in the community in general. We are thrilled that 22,506 students of determination have moved up to the final round of qualifications in participating countries.”
In the seventh edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, a new category has been introduced to support the people and the importance of their participation. Giving them the chance to prove their capabilities and enhance their skills, the “People of Determination” category has been introduced. Over 22,500 determined students have advanced to the final round of qualifications in participating countries. The final stage will determine the Challenge Champions for each country, who will then compete for the ultimate title of Arab Reading Challenge Champion during the final ceremony in Dubai.
Since its launch in 2015, the Arab Reading Challenge has aimed to foster a better future through knowledge and learning, emphasizing the importance of reading, comprehension, self-expression, and creative thinking in Arabic. The seventh edition witnessed the participation of over 22 million students from 46 countries. The addition of the People of Determination category reflects the commitment to their inclusion and recognition of their capabilities.
The selection process for winners follows strict criteria, with previous editions showcasing outstanding participants from various countries. The initiative has successfully engaged millions of students, promoting the Arabic language, culture, and civilization. This year’s Challenge marks significant growth, with 3 million new readers and a total of 188,000 schools involved across participating nations. The Arab Reading Challenge is the largest-ever Arab literacy initiative, offering a substantial prize pool of Dh11 million.
