The final qualifiers for the Communities category of the 10th Arab Reading Challenge began on Tuesday, October 27, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai, bringing together students competing for the category title ahead of the closing ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre on October 29.
The finalists have advanced through several stages of the competition, which has recorded unprecedented participation from students and schools around the world in its 10th edition.
Final Qualifiers Put Reading and Language Skills to the Test
During the final round, contestants undergo oral assessments before a specialized judging panel, presenting in fluent Arabic the main ideas and insights they have gained from reading 25 Arabic-language books.
The assessments focus on how well students understand, analyze and discuss what they have read, as well as their ability to evaluate different ideas, make logical connections between concepts and express their views clearly and confidently.
Strengthening the Global Presence of Arabic
His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, affirmed that since its launch in 2015, the Arab Reading Challenge has continued to achieve major milestones in knowledge and culture, reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, to foster a passion for reading among younger generations, strengthen their connection to the Arabic language and introduce them to the Arab world’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage.
His Excellency said: “The engagement of members of Arab communities living around the world with the Arab Reading Challenge represents a major gain for this group, strengthening their ties to their civilizational and human roots while expanding the reach of the Arabic language and its presence in their daily lives. The participation of students from Arab communities, Arabic language learners and non-native Arabic speakers in the competition since the third edition has given the Arab Reading Challenge significant momentum, reflecting its mission to spread knowledge.”
Positive Results Highlight the Challenge’s Impact
His Excellency also highlighted the Challenge’s vital role in increasing reading rates and improving Arabic language skills among participating students, citing a study conducted in partnership between Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to measure the initiative’s impact since its launch in 2015.
The study found that the average number of books read by each student annually increased from approximately eight before participation to more than 40 afterward. Arabic language skills also improved by 93%, including reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary and style.
The findings further showed that 71% of students developed a stronger connection to their culture and greater pride in the Arabic language. More than 80% began reading regularly every week, while 70% reported easier access to printed and digital books. Students’ self-confidence also increased by 96% following their participation.
International Competition for the Communities Category Title
A total of 38 students are competing in the final qualifiers, representing countries including Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, India, Malaysia, Türkiye and Sweden, alongside other countries across Europe, Asia and Africa.
The Communities category was introduced with the launch of the third edition, following the decision to open participation to students living outside Arab countries, Arabic language learners and non-native speakers.
The category aims to promote Arabic language and culture internationally while strengthening the cultural ties of Arab communities abroad and encouraging greater engagement with Arabic books and cultural activities.
Previous winners of the category have come from France, Sweden, Italy, Belgium and Malaysia, reflecting the competition’s expanding international reach over successive editions.
More Than 40 Million Students Join the 10th Edition
The 10th Arab Reading Challenge has set a new participation record, attracting 40,286,428 students from 60 countries, an increase of 24% compared with the ninth edition.
The total includes 74,062 students with disabilities, while participation across educational institutions reached 138,426 schools, supported by 161,507 supervisors.
The figures mark another milestone for the initiative as it continues to expand its presence in schools and educational communities worldwide.
