11-Year-Old Egyptian Girl Wins ₹1.2 Crore in Dubai Arab Reading Challenge

Egypt's 11-year-old Mayar Othman wins AED 500,000 in Dubai's Arab Reading Challenge after an inspiring reading journey.

By News National Editorial Team

An 11-year-old girl from Egypt has achieved international recognition after being crowned the champion of the 10th edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, one of the world's largest student reading competitions, held in Dubai.

Mayar Mohammed Ragab Othman was honoured by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, during the competition's grand finale on October 29, 2026.

The young student received a prize of AED 500,000, equivalent to approximately ₹1.2 crore, for securing first place in the competition. Her achievement has attracted attention across the Arab world and highlighted the importance of encouraging reading among children.

From Reading 60 Books to Becoming a Champion

Mayar's success followed a remarkable reading journey that included reading at least 60 books as part of the challenge.

Her performance helped her progress through the competition's selection stages and eventually represent Egypt at the international final in Dubai.

According to reports, she qualified from a field of more than 17.6 million participants in Egypt before competing against national champions from other countries.

Speaking after her victory, Mayar explained how reading had influenced her personality, thinking and ambitions. She also expressed her intention to use part of her prize money to establish a small library at her school, giving other students greater access to books.

Her decision has added another meaningful dimension to the achievement, turning a personal success into an opportunity to encourage reading among fellow students.

Sheikh Mohammed Honours the Young Winner

The award ceremony took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday, October 29.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum personally crowned Mayar as the 10th Arab Reading Challenge champion. The event was attended by senior UAE officials and representatives of the participating countries.

The competition also recognised outstanding achievements in several other categories, including the Best School, Outstanding Supervisor, Community Champion and People of Determination Champion awards.

Mayar's victory placed Egypt at the centre of the international celebration of reading and education.

More Than 40 Million Students Participated

The 10th edition of the Arab Reading Challenge recorded its largest participation since the initiative began.

According to the organisers, the 2026 competition attracted:

• 40,286,428 students from 60 countries.

• 138,426 schools participating worldwide.

• 161,507 supervisors supporting students.

• 74,062 participants in the People of Determination category.

The participation represented a 24% increase compared with the previous edition.

The competition was organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), an organisation that supports educational, humanitarian and community development initiatives.

Other Winners Recognised

The final also celebrated students who secured the second and third positions.

Palestinian student Ghazal Rashad Adel Tayyem won second place and received AED 100,000, while Saudi Arabian student Rayan bin Adeeb Ali Al Zakeri secured third place with a prize of AED 70,000.

Tunisia's Sidi Amer School received the Best School award, which carried a prize of AED 1 million. Jordan's Fakhri Mahmoud Mayyas was recognised in the Outstanding Supervisor category.

These awards highlighted the contributions of students, schools and educators in promoting literacy and a culture of learning.

A Reading Initiative That Has Reached Millions

Launched in 2015 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Arab Reading Challenge aims to encourage children and young people to develop a lasting habit of reading.

The initiative promotes Arabic-language reading, strengthens comprehension and communication skills, and encourages students to explore knowledge beyond their school textbooks.

Across its first ten editions, the challenge has reached more than 203 million student participants, according to the organisers.

Mayar's achievement demonstrates how reading can help young people develop confidence, knowledge and ambition. Her plan to build a school library also sends an important message: the benefits of reading become greater when knowledge is shared.

For millions of participating students, her victory is an inspiring reminder that books can open doors to opportunities far beyond the classroom.