Iread Marathon Expands Across 13 Arab Countries With 52 Libraries

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has launched the fifth iRead Marathon, reporting a 235% rise in participating Arab libraries compared with last year. A total of 52 libraries from 13 Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, now join the regional reading initiative.

This year’s iRead Marathon runs from February 5 to 7 and targets a broad audience of readers. Ithra is organising the programme with the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) and environmental partners, aiming to support reading habits across different social groups in Arab societies.

Ithra Library Head Abdullah Al Hawas stated that reading holds a central place in the centre’s plans. Ithra has adopted reading as a strategic focus for the next five years and introduced the Arab Reading Index, which tracks reading trends and practices across Arab countries in a structured and regular way.

The iRead Marathon forms part of these broader efforts, as reading is viewed as a core source of knowledge. Continuing for the fifth consecutive year, the marathon helps widen participation both within Saudi Arabia and across the wider Arab world, linking libraries and readers through a shared programme and timeline.

Ithra is opening the iRead Marathon to individuals and families, giving participants a chance to strengthen reading skills and discover a wide range of books. Visitors using other participating libraries can access full marathon information through the dedicated page on Ithra’s official website, which outlines activities, guidelines, and participation details.

The sustained organisation of the iRead Marathon highlights Ithra’s long-term approach to reading promotion. By aligning with AFLI and environmental partners, and engaging 52 libraries across 13 countries, the centre continues to support a shared Arab cultural space where reading remains a visible and accessible activity.

With inputs from SPA