Community Champion Finals Held at Dubai Reading Challenge

The final qualifying round for the Community Champion title of the 9th Arab Reading Challenge began today in Dubai. This round will determine the top three winners, while the overall Arab Reading Champion will be announced during the Challenge’s concluding ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 23rd October.

Students competing in the Community Champion category have progressed through several stages over the course of the ninth edition. In the final round, they participate in an oral assessment where they present the key ideas and insights from 25 books they have read. Contestants are expected to express these ideas in clear and eloquent Arabic.

The judging panel evaluates each student’s reading attainment, analytical skills, and ability to articulate ideas in their own words. Participants are assessed on discussion, critique, and the connection of concepts, requiring them to communicate confidently and effectively. This ensures that the winners demonstrate a deep understanding of the material.

The Community Champion category was introduced in the third edition of the Arab Reading Challenge. It allows students outside the Arab world, learners of Arabic, and non-native speakers to participate. This category encourages global engagement and highlights the importance of spreading the Arabic language internationally.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of MBRGI, said the Arab Reading Challenge continues to grow, positively influencing education and culture. He emphasized that the Challenge reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to promote knowledge and reading as essential tools for nurturing talent and shaping future generations.

Al Gergawi also highlighted the role of expatriate communities in promoting the Arabic language and Arab culture worldwide. Their active participation in the Challenge strengthens its impact and ensures that Arabic literacy extends beyond the Arab world, creating a global community of learners committed to the language and culture.

This ninth edition of the Challenge has seen record participation, with over 32 million students from 50 countries, representing 132,112 schools and guided by 161,004 supervisors. These numbers show the growing influence of the initiative and its success in encouraging Arabic literacy among youth globally.

The finalists for the Community Champion title come from various countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Norway, Austria, USA, Greece, Italy, England, Belgium, Türkiye, Scotland, Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Luxembourg, Malaysia, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands, India, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, and Indonesia. These students represent the global reach and diversity of the Challenge.

Previous Community Champion winners include students from France, Sweden, Italy, Belgium, Malaysia, and Sweden again. Each of them has demonstrated exceptional reading and presentation skills, setting a benchmark for this year’s finalists and inspiring young readers around the world.

The Arab Reading Challenge was launched in 2015 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It is the largest Arab literacy initiative, designed to promote reading, strengthen comprehension, and nurture a love for the Arabic language. The Challenge aims to equip youth with knowledge, build character, and foster tolerance and coexistence through exposure to diverse cultures.