Abha, October 30, 2024 – Kadi bint Musaffar Al Khathaam, a talented young reader from Saudi Arabia, has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Arab Reading Challenge, a prestigious competition organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation in the UAE. In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Al Khathaam shared her inspiring journey from a passion for reading to her remarkable achievement in this competitive arena.
Reflecting on her success, Al Khathaam emphasized the vital role that her parents and elementary school teachers played in nurturing her love for literature. Their unwavering support provided her with the encouragement and resources necessary to cultivate her talent. Al Khathaam has built an impressive collection of over 100 age-appropriate books covering a wide array of subjects, which she credits as instrumental in her preparation for the challenge.
The significance of her victory is underscored by the scale of the competition, which saw more than 28 million students from over 229,000 schools across 50 countries participating. The event was meticulously overseen by a dedicated team of 154,000 supervisors, ensuring a fair and enriching experience for all competitors. The Arab Reading Challenge aims to promote Arabic literacy, strengthen national and Arab identities, and encourage creativity among students while highlighting the essential role of reading in personal and academic development.
Participants in the competition, primarily pre-college students from Arab nations, progress through several stages that require them to read a selection of books and provide summaries. This rigorous process culminates in the final round, which takes place annually in the UAE, where the most accomplished readers are celebrated for their dedication and skills.
The Ministry of Education has publicly commended Al Khathaam's achievement, recognizing it as a significant milestone not only for her but also for Saudi Arabia in the realm of literacy and education. Her success serves as an inspiration to fellow students, illustrating the importance of reading as a foundational skill that fosters personal growth and intellectual curiosity.
As Al Khathaam embarks on the next chapter of her educational journey, she hopes to continue encouraging her peers to embrace reading and explore the vast world of literature. Her victory at the Arab Reading Challenge exemplifies the power of dedication, support, and the transformative impact of books on young minds.
