From her school library, where her story with poetry and words began, to the podium in Dubai, her small dreams turned into a great achievement. The Egyptian girl, Mayar Othman El Shorbagy, wrote an exceptional success story with books after she was crowned champion of the “Arab Reading Challenge 2026” in its tenth edition, becoming one of the inspiring role models for children who made reading a path to excellence, after a journey during which she read more than 70 books, exceeding the number required to participate in the challenge, and confirming that her winning the title represents a new beginning in her journey with knowledge, and not its end.
In a special statement, Mayar Othman El Shorbagy, the champion of the tenth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who gave the children of the world the opportunity to become heroes of knowledge through the Arab Reading Challenge initiative.
She noted that the moment she was declared the winner was one of the happiest moments of her life, as she felt that every book she read and every hour she spent among the pages had turned into an achievement she was proud of, stressing that the challenge changed her view of reading, and made her realize that a book is not just pages that you finish, but new worlds that you discover every day.
She explained that she had read more than 70 books, including 50 books within the challenge passports, but she continued reading after completing the required number, because her relationship with the book had become greater than any competition or prize.
She added: “I was reading to participate in the challenge, but I discovered that I read because I love books, and I feel that every book adds something new to my personality, and makes me more able to understand life and express my thoughts. I have completed the challenge passports, and I won the title, but my journey with reading will not end.”
Dubai, the city of dreams
Mayar confirmed that winning the title of Arab Reading Challenge champion brought her double the joy, as she had achieved her dream in a city that had always been associated in her imagination with success, ambition, and achievement. She said, “Dubai is a city of dreams for me, a city that makes a child feel that their dream, no matter how small, can become a big reality. I came here carrying a love of reading and a dream of winning, and today I return carrying the title of Arab Reading Challenge champion, an achievement I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
She explained that being among children from different countries around the world in the challenge competitions, united by a shared passion for books and knowledge, made the experience exceptional. She clarified that Dubai not only brought together competitors for a title, but also brought together their dreams and ambitions, and gave them an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities to the world.
Mayar noted that the moment her victory was announced will remain etched in her memory, after feelings of anticipation and waiting turned into great joy, stressing that the title carries for her the responsibility of encouraging more children to read and take pride in the Arabic language.
Unique leader
Mayar expressed her pride in the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stressing that His Highness gave millions of children an exceptional opportunity to discover their talents and prove their abilities through reading, and made the book a means to create heroes and build the future.
She added, “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum didn’t just give us a reading competition; he gave us a grand dream, making books a path to success and giving children the opportunity to become heroes through science and knowledge. I feel proud that there is a leader who believes that a child who reads today can shape the future tomorrow.” She continued, “The most beautiful message I learned from the Arab Reading Challenge is that knowledge is true power, and that the Arabic language deserves our pride, our reading, and our creativity. I hope this initiative reaches every child in the world because books can change a person’s life and open doors they never imagined.”
She emphasized that winning the title in the tenth edition strengthened her belief that reading can transform children’s lives and that initiatives that invest in the minds of future generations give them real opportunities to discover their abilities and achieve their dreams.
Discovering talent
Mayar reminisced about the beginning of her journey, explaining that the school librarian was the first to discover her talent and encourage her to participate in the challenge after hearing her recite poetry and speak fluent and passionate Arabic. She continued, "My supervisor saw something special in me before I even realized it myself. She listened to me recite poetry and speak, and told me that anyone with such a passion for words deserved to be a star in the Arab Reading Challenge. From that moment, I began to believe that I could achieve my dream."
Mayar affirmed that the words of encouragement she received from her supervisor were a turning point in her life, motivating her to read more widely, seek out diverse books, and develop her comprehension, analytical, and expressive abilities, until reading became an indispensable daily habit. She explained that winning the title brought back memories of the initial moments when the library supervisor encouraged her to participate, noting that discovering and nurturing children's talents at the right time can open wide doors to success for them.
Coronation joy
Regarding her feelings after being declared the winner of the “Arab Reading Challenge” in its tenth edition, Mayar said: “Winning the “Arab Reading Challenge” is not just a title or an award, but rather a culmination of every book I have read, every hour I have spent among the pages, and every person who believed in my talent and encouraged me to continue. I feel that I have achieved a great dream, but at the same time I realize that my journey with knowledge is still in its early stages.”
She continued, “I want to tell every child that dreams don’t need to be old to come true; they only require willpower, passion, and self-belief. My journey began with encouragement from my school librarian, and today I stand in Dubai as the champion of the Arab Reading Challenge, carrying an even bigger dream: to continue reading and to be a role model who encourages children to love books.” She noted that winning the title gave her greater motivation to continue reading and to develop her Arabic language and poetry recitation skills. She added that she looks forward to using her experience to encourage her classmates and peers to discover the joy of reading and not to see it as just a school assignment or a way to win prizes.
