From candy rewards to the Arab Reading Challenge podium: Saudi student reflects on reading journey

JEDDAH: Four days after claiming third place in the 10th Arab Reading Challenge, Saudi student Rayan bin Adeeb Al-Zakeri is still reflecting on the journey that took him from a kindergarten reading habit fueled by candy rewards to one of the Arab world’s biggest literary stages.

The 11-year-old from Al-Ahsa finished third in the competition’s international finals, held in Dubai on Oct. 29, earning 70,000 Emirati dirhams ($19,000) after advancing through multiple qualifying rounds and competing against millions of participants from across the Arab world and beyond.

For Al-Zakeri, however, the achievement represents something larger than a prize or a podium finish.