Overview
The Arab Reading Challenge is an annual reading competition for school students across the Arab world, launched in the United Arab Emirates by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Students read and summarise books during the school year, and top readers go through country-level rounds to a grand final in Dubai. The official site could not be read directly, so these facts come from reports published by the Dubai Media Office. Confirm details on the official site.
Exam pattern
The challenge is run in stages with coordinators in each participating country. Schools run a qualifying stage in which students read and summarise books. The Dubai Media Office describes participation as reading and summarising 50 books per student for the school-level goal. Semifinalists then sit oral and written tests. A jury picks the finalists on their understanding of text and ability to express themselves accurately in Arabic, their critical and creative thinking, and their general knowledge.
Marking and results
Winners are announced in several categories: Arab Reading Champion, Best School, Outstanding Supervisor, Community Champion and a category for People of Determination.
After the exam
Reported prizes in recent editions are:
| Award | First | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arab Reading Champion | AED 500,000 | AED 100,000 | AED 70,000 |
| Best School | AED 1 million | AED 500,000 | AED 300,000 |
| Community Champion | AED 100,000 | AED 70,000 | AED 30,000 |
The 2025 champions were crowned in Dubai in October 2025.
Preparation tips
Read widely in Arabic and practise writing short summaries of what you read.
Practise speaking about a book in clear, correct Arabic.
Who wins the biggest prize?
The Arab Reading Champion receives AED 500,000, according to the Dubai Media Office.
Is it only for UAE students?
No. It is held across many Arab countries through national coordinators.