Arab Reading Challenge: the World’s Biggest Reading Project

The Arab Reading Challenge has become the largest reading project globally, with 24.8 million students from 46 countries participating, according to an announcement made today on Twitter by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

He also announced that the seventh edition of the Arab Reading Challenge for 2023 has seen a significant rise in participation and an 11 per cent increase compared to last year. Around 24.8 million students are taking part in this year’s Challenge, including over 22,500 people of determination.

Sheikh Mohammed stated: “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 civilization.

“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,” he added.

Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi said: “The Arab Reading Challenge, launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 7 years ago, has become a milestone for developing reading and accumulating knowledge. It has also become a great motivation to dive deeper into the beauty of the Arabic language and its vast potential to accommodate modern sciences.

“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,” he added.