Winners of the “Arab Reading Challenge 2026” have affirmed that the competition embodies a civilising message that contributes to building a conscious and literate Arab generation, aware of the value of knowledge and the impact of reading on personal and societal development. They shared with “Emirates Today” that the challenge has been a pivotal milestone in their lives, reinforcing their connection to the Arabic language, establishing reading as a daily habit, and broadening their horizons for thought and creativity, making reading a constant companion in their journey of learning and life.
Empowering Young Minds through Reading
Myar Othman, the champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in its tenth cycle from Egypt, revealed that she devoted around four hours daily to reading, motivated by her mother and a school supervisor. However, it was her passion for reading that drove her to explore more. Her chosen literature varied from stories and science to history and self-development, enriching her knowledge and refining her language and critical thinking skills. At only 11 years old, Myar stated that the challenge significantly expanded her intellectual horizons and deepened her love for the Arabic language and literature. She dedicated her victory to her parents, grateful for their unwavering support and the environment they created that encouraged her reading journey.
Expressing pride in her achievement, Myar emphasised that this triumph is not an end to her journey but rather a catalyst for continued reading and learning. She looks toward the future with ambition, eager to build on the knowledge and confidence she has gained as she pursues her goals.
Overcoming Challenges with Determination
Syria’s Mahmoud Imran, the champion of the reading challenge’s category for individuals with determination, shared that his willpower and determination propelled him to overcome challenges and continue his quest for excellence in knowledge. Participating in this global reading initiative allowed him to highlight his talents and celebrate his passion for reading.
He told “Emirates Today” that winning the title crowned a journey laden with reading and diligence, making his dream of standing among the winners in Dubai a reality. “I read 75 books, with my mother and teacher being my unwavering support throughout my reading journey,” he remarked, thanking them for their continuous encouragement, which enabled him to reach this moment. He expressed pride in his achievement, stating that the accolade signifies more than a trophy; it carries a vital message to children with determination that reading and knowledge enhance self-confidence and open pathways to achieving aspirations.
Mahmoud noted that the challenge allowed him to showcase his abilities alongside children from various countries, united by their love for books and the Arabic language. He highlighted how the experience celebrates minds, determination, and ambition and praised the Arab Reading Challenge initiative for providing a platform for individuals with determination to unveil their reading talents.
A Global Stage for Arabic Literature
Representing New Zealand, Sohayb Majd, another winner from the challenge’s community category, expressed his happiness in receiving the title, referring to it as an exceptional milestone culminating his reading journey in a non-Arabic-speaking environment. He faced challenges in practising the language and accessing relevant content that strengthens his connection to it. Sohayb credited his mother for significantly guiding him in his reading journey by encouraging him and helping him select suitable books, which broadens his knowledge and equips him for competition.
He emphasised that participation in the challenge was pivotal in his educational journey, allowing him to delve deeper into the Arabic language while exploring diverse cultures and ideas, alongside connecting with readers from multiple nations. Looking ahead, Sohayb reaffirmed his commitment to continual reading and learning, aiming to leverage this experience in broadening his horizons and achieving further aspirations. He also extended a message to peers in Arabic communities, urging them to embrace their mother tongue and incorporate reading into their daily lives, regardless of distances from the Arabic environment, emphasising that diligence and perseverance pave the way to realising their goals.
Recognising Excellence in Educational Guidance
Fakhri Mayas from Jordan, awarded the “Outstanding Supervisor” accolade in the Arab Reading Challenge 2026, stated that this recognition crowns years of dedicated efforts to instil a love for reading among students. He noted that his victory came after competing against over 507,000 supervisors from various Arab countries. Fakhri conveyed that his involvement in the challenge was a rich journey during which he transferred his passion for books to his students, transforming reading from a solitary activity into an interactive group experience that nurtures dialogue and fosters critical thinking.
Additionally, he mentioned launching over 34 initiatives aimed at promoting reading and spreading the culture of literacy in Jordan and the Arab world, including a digital library benefiting millions of students, designed to transform reading into a rewarding daily practice within schools. He has also devised innovative solutions to tackle the various technical and creative challenges faced by students, leveraging digital platforms and interactive activities that encourage them to express their ideas in unique ways that blend knowledge with enjoyment. According to Fakhri, these initiatives have significantly bolstered the presence of reading in academic settings, embodying a supervisory model grounded in initiative and innovation. He expressed appreciation for the UAE’s continuous support of Arabic language initiatives, highlighting that the challenge transcends competition to convey a cultural message that unites Arabs through a shared love for books and reading.
Community Efforts Drive Success in Reading
Ramzi Bourawi, the principal of Sidi Amer Primary School in Tunisia, noted that the school’s receipt of the “Outstanding School” award in the Arab Reading Challenge is the result of collective effort and determination to embed reading into school life, despite challenges posed by the regional environment. Situated about 156 kilometres from Tunisia’s capital and surrounded by mountains, the school faces unique obstacles in accessibility and continuation of education. Nevertheless, Ramzi highlighted that the students overcame difficult situations with persistence and hard work, achieving this commendable success that honours both the school and Tunisia.
He elaborated that the administration utilised time before classes began, when some students arrived early, to engage them in reading and cultural activities, which included reading sessions, story dramatization, and writing exercises. These initiatives have brought students closer to books while motivating them to read and express themselves, cultivating an encouraging school atmosphere for learning. He announced that the value of the award would be allocated to enhance the school’s facilities that currently face space shortages, with priorities including preparing a dedicated room and establishing a school cafeteria to create a more suitable environment for students and improve their daily educational experience.