More than 40 million students from 60 countries have taken part in the latest edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Friday.
40,286,428 students from 60 countries joined its tenth edition, including 76,062 students of determination, a 24 per cent increase compared to the ninth edition, where 32.231 million students from 50 countries worldwide participated.
Writing on social media, His HIghness said participation in the initiative’s tenth edition had reached across 138,000 schools worldwide.
Sheikh Mohammed said the project reflects a broader commitment to building “an educated, aware generation equipped with the tools of the future”.
He added that such initiatives are part of the UAE’s long-term vision to invest in people and knowledge, describing them as projects that “benefit millions” and have a lasting impact.
مشروعنا في تحدي القراءة العربي مستمر ..
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 3, 2026
حيث وصل عدد المشاركين في دورته العاشرة أكثر من 40 مليون طالب في 138 ألف مدرسة من 60 دولة حول العالم .
مشاريعنا الحضارية لا تتوقف .. بل هي نابعة من إيماننا بأهمية بناء الإنسان المتعلم والواعي والمتمكن من أدوات المستقبل .
أما الزبد فيذهب… pic.twitter.com/VyabmsjpAb
The Arab Reading Challenge is one of the largest literacy initiatives in the region, aimed at encouraging reading among young people across the Arab world and beyond.
Twelve injured by falling debris in Abu Dhabi's Ajban area
EGA says Al Taweelah output could take a year to recover
UAE intercepts 22 missiles and 47 drones on Friday
Fire breaks out at Abu Dhabi gas facility due to fallen debris
