The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has concluded its "Iqra" reading marathon, with 17 Arab libraries from five countries — Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, Tunisia and Algeria — taking part. Participants managed to read nearly 1.5 million pages over the course of the event. Held in cooperation with the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, the marathon is the first of its kind in the Arab world, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote a culture of reading and enrich society with knowledge.

The marathon drew wide participation from schools, universities and various segments of society, with interactive events adding a distinctive touch to the occasion. The results of participating libraries were announced on screens at the Ithra center amid a festive atmosphere that underscored the marathon's positive impact in encouraging Arab society to read.

Inspiring stories of success

The marathon featured inspiring human stories, including that of Ibrahim Salman, one of the Saudi participants who is visually impaired and read more than 100 pages using Braille with the help of a friend. Meanwhile, Chinese participant Heron Aimuzi expressed admiration for the marathon's cultural diversity, managing to read English-language literary works, describing the event as an opportunity for cultures to meet and share knowledge.

An environmental incentive through reading

As part of the marathon's environmental initiatives, Ithra pledged to plant a tree for every 100 pages read, in cooperation with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. More than 8,000 seedlings have been planted over the marathon's past three editions, underscoring the integration of culture with environmental sustainability.

Participating libraries

A select group of prominent Arab libraries took part in the marathon, including Ithra Library and Dammam's House of Culture from Saudi Arabia, the Library of Alexandria and Egypt's public libraries from Egypt, in addition to libraries and universities in Oman, Tunisia and Algeria. These libraries contributed diverse reading selections suited to all age groups, encouraging the public to engage with reading.

Toward a sustainable reading culture

Academic Buthaina Al-Mohammed said the marathon opens new horizons for promoting a comprehensive concept of reading, noting that cultural initiatives of this kind are essential for reinforcing cultural identity and drawing those less interested toward a love of reading.

The "Iqra" marathon marks an important step toward establishing reading as a daily habit and turning public libraries into interactive hubs for knowledge and culture, furthering Ithra's vision of serving as a platform for knowledge and cultural development.