The tenth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge is set to culminate in a grand celebration on October 29, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year marks a historic achievement for the initiative, which has seen an unprecedented surge in engagement with over 40 million students from 60 countries taking part. Supported by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the competition saw a 24 percent increase in participation compared to the previous year, highlighting a growing commitment to literacy and the Arabic language among youth worldwide.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized that this massive turnout is an investment in the future, aimed at empowering young minds through knowledge. With a total prize pool of Dh11 million up for grabs across various categories—including champions for the best school, supervisor, and students from different backgrounds—the event underscores the UAE’s dedication to fostering a reading culture. Since its inception in 2015, the challenge has grown by over 1,000 percent, cementing its status as a vital global movement that continues to inspire millions to embrace the power of the written word.