Egyptian Student Mayar Othman Al Shuorbagy Crowned Champion of 10th Arab Reading Challenge in Dubai
What happened
On October 29, 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum crowned 11-year-old Egyptian student Mayar Othman Al Shuorbagy the champion of the 10th Arab Reading Challenge, awarding her Dh500,000 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The Context
* A decade of expansion: Launched in 2015 to build knowledge-based regional societies, cumulative participation across all 10 editions has now surpassed 203 million students. * Broad institutional mobilization: The 10th cycle engaged 138,426 schools and 161,507 supervisors, including 74,062 participants in the People of Determination category. * Significant institutional capital: Beyond individual accolades, the initiative distributes Dh11 million in annual prizes, including a Dh1 million award presented to Tunisia’s Sidi Ameur Primary School.
The Number
— the total number of students from 60 countries who competed in this cycle, representing a 1,019% increase in scale from the inaugural cohort of 3.6 million in 2015 and proving the institutional durability of Dubai-anchored human capital programs.
Takeaway
Expect sustained public-sector investments in regional literacy and native-language education to reinforce Dubai’s position as the primary operating hub for Middle Eastern talent development.
Arabic-language coverage of international news and geopolitics.
"RT Arabic is a Russian state-funded outlet often criticized for promoting Kremlin-aligned narratives."
— A47 Editor
فرحة هيستيرية لطفلة مصرية أمام حاكم دبي بعد فوزها
Egyptian student Mayar Osman was crowned champion of the tenth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge initiative during a ceremony held in the Emirate of Dubai on Thursday, drawing an ecstatic reaction from the young winner in the presence of the Rule...
English-language coverage focused on UAE news, government updates, and domestic affairs.
"Emirates 24|7 reflects a mainstream UAE editorial perspective with strong emphasis on official and domestic developments."
— A47 Editor
Arab Reading Challenge Champion: Dubai is the city of dreams, and winning the title is the greatest crowning achievement
Mayar Othman El Shorbagy, an 11-year-old Egyptian girl, was crowned champion of the tenth Arab Reading Challenge 2026 in Dubai, after reading more than 70 books, well beyond the number required to take part. The title, with a Dh500,000 prize, was pre...
UAE-based English-language newspaper covering regional politics, economics, and global affairs.
"The National reflects Emirati policy perspectives while maintaining international editorial standards."
— A47 Editor
Egyptian girl, 11, wins Dh500,000 Arab Reading Challenge
An 11-year-old Egyptian girl was named champion of the Arab Reading Challenge, winning a Dh500,000 prize in the contest, which drew more than 40 million students, according to The National and Gulf News.
English-language coverage focused on UAE news, government updates, and domestic affairs.
"Emirates 24|7 reflects a mainstream UAE editorial perspective with strong emphasis on official and domestic developments."
— A47 Editor
Egyptian student Mayar El Shorbagy wins Arab Reading Challenge 2026
Egyptian student Mayar El Shorbagy was crowned champion of the Arab Reading Challenge 2026 at a closing ceremony in Dubai, after a competition featuring six reading champions from across the Arab world. Palestinian student Ghazal Tayem placed second ...
Arabic-language local coverage focused on UAE domestic issues, civic affairs, and community reporting.
"Emarat Al Youm local coverage emphasizes UAE institutions, public services, and community-level developments."
— A47 Editor
المصرية ميار عثمان بطلة تحدي القراءة العربي 2026 المصرية ميار عثمان بطلة تحدي القراءة العربي 2026
The Emirati Al Youm newspaper reports that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honored the champions of the Arab Reading Challenge 2026, among them Egyptian student Maya...
Breaking news and analysis from the UAE and Gulf region.
"Khaleej Times is a long-running UAE publication with broad regional coverage."
— A47 Editor
Egypt's Mayar Othman wins Arab Reading Challenge, bags Dh500,000 award in Dubai
Egypt's Mayar Othman has won the Arab Reading Challenge and taken home a Dh500,000 award, the announcement made in Dubai, according to Khaleej Times.
UAE-based newspaper covering Gulf politics, society, and international developments.
"Gulf News is one of the UAE’s most prominent English-language publications."
— A47 Editor
Arab Reading Challenge: Sheikh Mohammed crowns Egyptian girl,11, as Dh500,000 champion who beat 40m students
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum crowned an 11-year-old Egyptian girl as champion of the Arab Reading Challenge, a Dh500,000 prize contest that drew more than 40 million students, according to Gulf News.
A curated Gulf News feed featuring major stories across news, business, opinion, and lifestyle.
"Gulf News is a major UAE newspaper whose featured stories feed reflects a broad editorial mix shaped for a Gulf audience."
— A47 Editor
Arab Reading Challenge: Sheikh Mohammed crowns Egyptian girl,11, as Dh500,000 champion who beat 40m students
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum crowned an 11-year-old Egyptian girl as champion of the Arab Reading Challenge, a Dh500,000 prize contest that drew more than 40 million students, according to Gulf News.