Egyptian student Mayar Mohamed Ragab Othman has just made her country proud after winning first place in the tenth edition of the UAE’s Arab Reading Challenge 2026, taking home a whopping AED 500,000 prize. The 11-year-old beat millions of students from across the Arab world in a competition that celebrated a love for reading and the power of knowledge.
From 17 Million Egyptian Students to the Top
Mayar’s journey to the top was no small feat. She earned her place representing Egypt after competing against 17,616,289 students nationwide before advancing to the final stage and claiming first place across the Arab world.
“I came from the lands of pyramids and civilisation. I’m the daughter of Egypt, the heart of the Arab world. I read more than 70 books and will not stop reading,” she told The National.
Meanwhile, Gazal Teem, 16, from Palestine, secured second place, followed by 11-year-old Rian Al Zakri from Saudi Arabia in third.
Her achievement came after a reading journey that included 60 books, proving that a little dedication can go a long way!
The UAE Initiative Putting Reading in the Spotlight
Launched by UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Arab Reading Challenge aims to promote the Arabic language and inspire a love of reading among younger generations.
The winners were announced during the closing ceremony at Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday, October 29, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. And with Mayar bringing home the top prize, this year’s edition gave Egypt another reason to celebrate its young talent.
A Record-Breaking Year for the Arab Reading Challenge
The 2026 edition brought together an incredible 40,286,428 students from 60 countries, marking the initiative’s highest participation and a 24% increase over the previous edition.
The competition also welcomed 74,062 students with disabilities, with 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors taking part. Together, they helped make reading more accessible and encouraged young people to explore new ideas, strengthen their language skills, and discover the joy of books.
With 60 books behind her and an AED 500,000 prize to show for it, Mayar Othman is proof that a love of reading can take you places. Her win is not just a proud moment for Egypt, but also a reminder that inspiring the next generation to pick up a book can make all the difference.
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