Dammam, 20 Sha'ban 1447 AH (8 February 2026)

The fifth "Iqra" (Read) Marathon has recorded a notable cultural achievement, passing 6.5 million pages read over three consecutive days, in an event that restored reading's presence as a collective act capable of creating sustainable knowledge, human and environmental impact.

The marathon was held at the library of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), in parallel with 52 libraries from 13 Arab countries, including digital libraries taking part for the first time, widening reach and strengthening the concept of reading that crosses geographic boundaries.

Participants agreed that the number of pages read was not merely a figure but an indicator of the widening circle of participation and growing belief in reading as a collective daily practice. Pages were read in multiple languages and on different media, in an experience reflecting reading's power to build knowledge bonds among distant communities united by a passion for knowledge.

The marathon was tied to an environmental and human dimension through its initiative to plant a tree for every 100 pages read, meaning this edition translates into more than 65,000 trees pledged, in an equation combining knowledge and sustainability that makes reading a tangible impact beyond the pages of a book.

The participation of digital libraries was one of the edition's most notable shifts, strengthening inclusive participation and confirming libraries' ability to keep pace with technological change without losing their cultural role, in a striking balance between print and digital that preserved the spirit of gathering around the book.

As the Iqra Marathon closed, the experience appeared to have outgrown a temporary event, confirming that reading, when practiced as a shared act, can be a meeting point and the start of a cultural path of lasting impact.

At a Glance

  • Venue: the library of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)
  • Pages read: more than 6.5 million
  • Participating libraries: 52
  • Countries: 13 Arab countries
  • Environmental impact: more than 65,000 trees pledged