Arab Reading Challenge crowns Bahaa as champion of its tenth edition in Tunisia
- Last updated: July 25, 2026 | 23:12
The Arab Reading Challenge recently celebrated its tenth edition in Tunisia, crowning student Bahaa Maimouni as the champion. The competition involved 232,865 students from 3,481 schools, overseen by 6,535 supervisors during the qualifying rounds.
The victory announcement for Bahaa Maimouni, a fifth-grade student at Tahant Primary School in Bizerte, was made at the event's closing ceremony in Tunis. The ceremony was graced by Dr Iman Ahmed Al Salami, the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Tunisia, Dr Fawzan Al Khaldi, Director of Programmes and Initiatives at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, along with representatives from the Tunisian Ministry of Education and organisers of the Arab Reading Challenge. There was notable attendance from the Tunisian educational community and parents of participating students.
Additionally, at the ceremony, Munir Al Fariji from Siliana was named the winner of the "Distinguished Supervisor" award, while Sidi Amer School, also in Siliana, was honored with the "Distinguished School" award.
In the category for students with disabilities, which had 109 participants, Rawane Ashbouli, a ninth-grade student at Bourguiba Street Preparatory School in Bizerte, secured first place.
Ten male and female students moved forward to the finals at the level of the Tunisian Republic. Alongside Bahaa Maimouni, the competitors vying for the title included: Abdelhadi Adib from ninth grade at Manzel Nour Preparatory School in the Monastir region, Belkacem Fazai from sixth grade at Bourguiba Street Primary School in Ghardimaou (Jendouba), Ayat Qaitouni from sixth grade at Nahj Nabeul Primary School (Siliana), Islam Majoul from tenth grade at the Model Institute (Siliana), Farida Tarifi from the first year of secondary school at the Model Institute in Bizerte (Bizerte), Roua Harabi from the second year of secondary school at the Model Institute in Medenine (Medenine), Sirine Benhammal from eighth grade at the Model Preparatory School (Siliana), Tasnim Benkaji from the second year of secondary school at the Bourguiba Model Institute (Tunis 1), and Nour El Islam Farhati from the third year of secondary school at the Taher Ben Achour Institute in Nefza (Beja).
Noureddine Nouri, the Tunisian Minister of Education, expressed that the annual event is an opportunity to celebrate books and foster children's love for reading. It serves as a moment to inspire new generations to embrace knowledge and deepen their connection with language and literature.
He further mentioned that Tunisia's participation in this edition included over 232,000 students, highlighting a strong student engagement with the project and a genuine interest in self-improvement through reading from various sources. Such widespread involvement indicates that our young generations increasingly value reading as essential for enhancing educational quality.
The Ministry of Education has prioritised reading as a strategic approach to boost learning in public schools, driven by the belief that reading is crucial for individual growth and the development of human capital. It also aids in cultivating students' understanding, analytical abilities, and critical thinking skills. This commitment is part of our ongoing effort to address challenges in improving the educational system and equipping future generations with the critical thinking capabilities needed in a rapidly evolving world.
He continued by expressing pride in the winners from various categories of the challenge nationwide, highlighting the increased participation as a testament to the successful efforts of the educational community. He attributed this success to the dedication of supervisors, administrators, and the supportive parents who consider books a crucial investment in their children's futures.
He further stressed that the Arab Reading Challenge is part of a broader Arab initiative centered on literature and knowledge. Tunisia's educational system actively engages in this initiative with full awareness and responsibility, offering its distinct vision and extensive educational experience alongside the efforts of key organisers like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation. Tunisia remains committed to enhancing its role in such initiatives, which bolster the Arab cultural movement. There is strong confidence that these exceptional students will significantly contribute to the nation's future development.
Dr Fawzan Al Khaldi remarked on this edition of the Arab Reading Challenge as a culmination of a decade-long success in fostering a profound cultural renaissance. The initiative has become a guiding force in nurturing future generations equipped with knowledge, a command of the Arabic language, and critical thinking skills. The achievements over the ten cycles are a reflection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of empowering individuals and advancing intellectual capabilities to forge a brighter future for the Arab world through determination and educational pursuit.
He praised the remarkable achievement in the Arab Reading Challenge held in Tunisia, highlighting an increase in participants during the qualifying rounds and the outstanding performance of Tunisian students, who continue to exemplify intellectual excellence and a love for reading. This demonstrates that investing in reading is the most effective route to developing the sustainable knowledge societies we desire.
He extended his congratulations to the champion, the category winners of the Arab Reading Challenge, and the families of all the participating students. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Tunisian Ministry of Education, along with all educational bodies and staff, for their dedication throughout the qualifying rounds of the tenth edition. He reaffirmed a commitment to furthering this initiative and broadening its impact, aiming to reach every Arab student. He emphasised that each book a student reads today lays a foundation for a brighter, more prosperous, and globally connected Arab future.