More than 830,000 students from across the United Arab Emirates participated in the 10th edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, a landmark competition that drew over 40 million participants from 60 countries worldwide.
The milestone was announced July 10, 2026, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, celebrated the achievement during a ceremony at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. The event, organized by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), crowned Danah Adel Al Zarouni, a Grade 6 student at Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi, as the UAE Reading Champion.
“Proud of more than 830,000 students in the UAE who took part in the Arab Reading Challenge this year,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “I am proud of their reading skills, their passion for knowledge, and their attachment to books. Civilisations are built by people like you. Reading is the foundation of development, progress and innovation.”
A Decade of Growth
The 10th edition of the Arab Reading Challenge saw a 24% increase in global participation compared to the ninth edition, which attracted 32.2 million students from 50 countries. This year, 40,286,428 students from 60 countries took part, including 74,062 students in the People of Determination category. The competition involved 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors.
Within the UAE, 1,250 schools participated under the guidance of 2,120 supervisors, with students competing in rigorous final rounds to claim the national title.
Champion Emerges
Danah Adel Al Zarouni, a Grade 6 student at Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi, was crowned the UAE Reading Champion. She will now represent the country at the international level alongside participants from 60 nations.
“Proud of more than 830,000 students in the UAE who took part in the Arab Reading Challenge this year,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “I am proud of their reading skills, their passion for knowledge, and their attachment to books. Civilisations are built by people like you. Reading is the foundation of development, progress and innovation.”
The ceremony, held at Expo City, was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, who honored the winners alongside Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, and other senior officials.
Building a Reading Culture
Sheikha Latifa emphasized the initiative’s broader mission, stating that the UAE continues to “entrench a culture of reading as an authentic societal approach and a fundamental pillar for human development and knowledge advancement.”
The competition, now in its 10th year, is recognized as the largest knowledge initiative of its kind in the Arab world. It aims to instill a reading culture among young generations while strengthening their connection to language, identity, and heritage.
Record-Breaking Numbers
The 10th edition achieved unprecedented scale, with 40,286,428 students from 60 countries participating—a 24% increase from the 32.2 million participants in 50 countries during the ninth edition. The competition also included 74,062 students in the People of Determination category, alongside 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors.
National Champions Honored
The UAE finals featured intense competition among 10 finalists. Alongside champion Danah Adel Al Zarouni, the top contenders included students from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Dhafra, Dubai, and Al Ain, spanning grades 1 through 12.
In the People of Determination category, Yousef Mohammed Saeed Hamed, an eighth-grade student at Al Qudwah School in Sharjah, claimed first place. Nada Saud Abdulaziz and Omar Ali Rashid Al Ketbi secured second and third places, respectively, out of 395 participants in that category.
Leadership Vision
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that reading remains the cornerstone of societal advancement. “Reading is the foundation of development, progress and innovation,” he said, congratulating Danah on her victory and noting she will represent the UAE alongside participants from 60 countries.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, described the challenge as “a national and intellectual milestone” that has succeeded in deepening knowledge among students and strengthening their connection to their language and culture.
Record Participation
The 10th edition saw 40,286,428 students from 60 countries participate, including 74,062 students in the People of Determination category. This represents a significant jump from the ninth edition, which drew 32.2 million participants from 50 nations. The competition also engaged 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors globally.
Looking Ahead
Danah Adel Al Zarouni will now represent the UAE in the international finals, competing against champions from 60 countries. The challenge continues to reinforce the UAE’s commitment to literacy and knowledge as pillars of national development, with officials emphasizing its role in building an educated society prepared for future challenges.