Baha Mimouni has won the 10th edition of the Arab Reading Challenge in Tunisia, triumphing over more than 232,865 students from 3,481 schools. The announcement was made on July 25, 2026, during a closing ceremony in Tunis attended by Emirati and Tunisian officials.
The competition reached its culmination following rigorous eliminations across the country.
The Finalists and Winners Across Tunisia
The title of champion went to Baha Mimouni, a fifth-grade student at the Tahnant Primary School in the Bizerte region. Ten exceptional students advanced to the final evaluation stage at the national level. Alongside Mimouni, the final contenders included Abdelhadi Adib from Monastir, Balqis Fazai from Jendouba, Ayat Al-Qaitouni, Islam Majoul, and Sirin Benhammal from Siliana, Farida Al-Tarifi from Bizerte, Roa Hrabi from Medenine, Tasnim Benqaji from Tunis 1, and Nour Al-Islam Farhati from Béja.
Beyond the individual championship crown, the closing event recognized excellence in multiple distinct categories.
Recognizing Determination in the People of Determination Category
The initiative also highlighted achievements within the People of Determination category. Out of 109 participating students in this specific division, Rawane Ashbouli—a ninth-grade student at the Avenue Bourguiba Bizerte Preparatory School in the Bizerte region—secured first place.
Official Presence and Leadership Perspectives
The high-profile closing ceremony in Tunis brought together key diplomatic and educational figures, highlighting the strong institutional backing behind the pan-Arab reading initiative. Representatives from the Tunisian Ministry of Education and regional cultural figures also attended to observe the proceedings.
This annual event represents an opportunity to celebrate books and readers among our children, and an occasion to encourage new generations to open up to knowledge and develop their relationship with language and reading. Nour El Din El Nouri, Minister of Education in the Republic of Tunisia, via Emarat Al Youm
El Nouri emphasized that the massive turnout reflects a genuine commitment among Tunisian youth to engage in self-development through diverse literary sources. The minister noted that such widespread participation serves as an encouraging indicator that younger generations view reading as a foundational pillar for improving educational quality.
