40 million take part in Arab Reading Challenge, says H.H. Sheikh Mohammed

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. There was more than 161,000 supervisors.

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 ..
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

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 3, 2026

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives said the "record participation is testament to the initiative’s power to inspire young Arab generations to read and persevere to preserve the Arabic language. These efforts align with MBRGI’s commitment to launch projects and initiatives that enlighten generations and champion the value of reading and knowledge."

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives: Over 40 million students are taking part in the tenth Arab Reading Challenge. This record participation is testament to the initiative’s power to inspire young Arab generations to… pic.twitter.com/XMxXzHYKMW

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 3, 2026

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.