Dammam, 14 Sha'ban 1447 AH (2 February 2026)

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has announced the fifth edition of its "Iqra" reading marathon, held in cooperation with the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information and environmental partners. This year 52 libraries from 13 Arab countries are taking part: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Palestine, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq.

The marathon runs from 5 to 7 February and has recorded a 235 percent rise in participation compared with the previous edition, extending the centre's efforts to encourage reading across all segments of society.

Abdullah Al-Hawas, head of the Ithra Library, said the centre attaches great importance to reading and views the marathon as part of a five-year effort to build and spread reading skills. He pointed to the launch of the Arab Reading Index, which tracks the state of reading across Arab countries, and said the marathon widens participation locally and regionally while promoting reading as a fundamental source of knowledge.

This year the marathon opened to digital platforms and electronic libraries, Al-Hawas added. Seventy-four libraries registered, of which 52 from 13 countries were selected, a significant leap from the 17 libraries that took part last time.

The marathon also carries a sustainable community message: a tree is planted for every 100 pages read, linking knowledge production to environmental restoration by reviving barren land and creating green cover. Previous editions have planted more than 20,000 trees and logged more than 2.3 million pages read, turning the marathon into a gathering point for readers in an intellectual and cultural race that benefits young people and the wider community.

Ithra welcomes individuals and families to take part, with full details available on the marathon page of the centre's website.

At a Glance

  • Venue: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Dammam
  • Participating libraries: 52 from 13 Arab countries
  • Dates: 5 to 7 February 2026
  • Goal: Encourage reading, build knowledge skills and link culture with environmental sustainability