Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by the Curriculum and Learning Resources Department, celebrated the conclusion of the 7th edition of the Reading Olympiad and the 10th season of the Arab Reading Challenge on Sunday. The event marked the successful culmination of efforts to encourage reading among students across the nation and the Arab world.

According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony highlighted the achievements of 600 students who reached the final stage of the competitions, with HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, honoring their accomplishments. Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, Maha Zayed Al Ruwaili, spoke about the transformative power of reading, noting its critical role in shaping students' personalities and advancing societal progress. She emphasized that a nation enriched by reading is equipped with knowledge and the ability to think critically and view the world from varied perspectives.

Al Ruwaili also commended the Arab Reading Challenge for nurturing a passion for reading among millions of students throughout the Arab region, thereby strengthening their connection to the Arabic language and enhancing critical thought. This year's competitions saw the participation of approximately 200,000 students, with around 2,000 advancing through regional qualifiers and 600 reaching the finals.

The ceremony featured a visual presentation that illustrated the students' journey with reading and underscored the importance of school libraries in fostering their intellectual growth. The Reading Olympiad aims to enhance reading proficiency and encourage students to express their understanding of texts in varied ways, applying information to fulfill their needs. Meanwhile, the Arab Reading Challenge focuses on developing analytical and critical thinking skills while promoting tolerance and cultural openness among students.