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The final event of the Ithra Reading Program (iRead), now in its ninth annual edition, is a two-day gathering under the slogan "Reading Bridges Worlds." It is the final stage of the competition: Ten readers from the Arab World compete for the title of “Reader of the Year” in the Essays Track, and eight readers compete in the Debates Track.
The final event will feature the participation of two Nobel Laureates in Literature as well as broad participation by readers, authors, professionals, academics and those engaged in different areas and branches of reading and literature to celebrate the love of reading. The accompanying cultural program includes an interview with the Saudi critic Abdullah Al-Ghathami, a dialogue with the Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi, a poetry performance by Mohamed Abdelbari, as well as numerous book signings and the Kutubiya book swapping exhibition.
Speakers
Dr. Abdulrazak Gurnah
The Nobel Laureate in Literature for the year 2021
Olga Tokarczuk
The Nobel Laureate in Literature for the year 2018
Ahlam Mosteghanemi
Algerian writer and novelist
Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghathami
Saudi thinker and critic, and professor of theory and criticism at King Saud University
Mohamed Abdelbari
Sudanese poet, Focuses on thought and philosophy
Dr. Hassan Alsharif
Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Taiba University
Dr. Fatima Ismael
Professor of the Philosophy of Science at Ain Shams University
Noureddine Alsafi
Professor of Philosophy and Director of Educational Affairs at Yaqelon Institute
Saud Alsanousi
Kuwaiti author and novelist
Humood AlSahood
Saudi writer, poet and researcher
Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail
Secretary General of the King Faisal Prize
Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi
Head of Emirates Writers Union
Rawda Al-Haj
Poet and ICESCO Expert
Ibrahim Al-Koni
A Libyan writer and novelist
Wael Hallaq
Writer, researcher and academic
Mohammed Abu Obeid
Journalist
Maisoon Saqer Alqasimi
Emirati poet, novelist, and artist
Saeed Alserihi
Saudi writer and critic
Offerings
Nominees
Mariam Bouaoud
Morocco
Mahmoud Elsayed Elmizayen
Egypt
Huda Al Salman
Iraq
Hiraa Mousa
Iraq
Raghad Aldraweesh
Saudi Arabia
Safiah Alghobari
Saudi Arabia
Maram Sadouki
Algeria
Ayah Zain Alabeden
Syria
Raghd Morcel Jmel
Tunisia
Fatimah Ammar Alkittani
Morocco
FAQs
What is iRead’s Closing Ceremony?
The ninth edition of the Reading Enrichment Program (iRead) is a public ceremony to celebrate reading, readers and name the winners of the iRead Competition. Ten readers from all across the Arab World are competing for the “Reader of the Year” title, and it will be accompanied by a rich cultural program that includes poetry recitals, dialogue sessions, book signings and the Kutubiya Book Exchange Exhibit, as well as the iRead Participants’ Debate.
When will the ceremony take place?
Friday and Saturday, October 11 – 12, 2024. Friday’s program runs from 5 until 10 p.m. and Saturday’s program will take place 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where will the ceremony take place?
At the Ithra Theater.
Who are the readers competing for the “Reader of the Year” title; how many are they; and what will they present?
They are ten selected readers from a number of Arab nations. They made it to the finals by passing through a number of elimination rounds in the Reader of the Year track. Each reader will present their five-minute essay before the audience, followed by comments about the essay by the members of the jury.
Will the audience be able to choose any of the winners of the competition at the closing ceremony?
Yes, at the end of the ceremony, the attending audience will be able to vote on the winner of the Audience Favorite Reader award.
What is the iRead Debate?
This is a debate which examines the topic “Banning the Publication of Mediocre Books.” Eight qualifying participants are divided into proponents and opponents; the first will support the motion of banning the publication of badly written books while the latter will oppose it.
How can I attend the iRead Closing Ceremony?
You can get the tickets from the ceremony page on Ithra website
Are there fees or tickets to attend the iRead Closing Ceremony?
The event tickets are free. You can get them from the ceremony page on Ithra website
What is the difference between the ticket for the iRead Closing Ceremony and the accompanying programs? Can I use one ticket to attend the other?
The ticket for the Closing Ceremony is mutually exclusive from the ticket for the accompanying programs, as the latter grants access to all offered programs during the two days of the events as per the full capacity of the Center. You must reserve a special entry ticket to attend the Closing Ceremony.
What is the Travel and Stay Package?
It is a paid package for those wishing to attend the Closing Ceremony from outside the Eastern Province and/or the Kingdom, as the package provides the opportunity to get a full experience which includes travel and lodging at the same hotel as the speakers and special guests. You can view the details of the package and its features on the designated iRead webpage on Ithra’s website.
Does the Travel and Stay Package guarantee an entry ticket for the iRead Closing Ceremony?
Yes, and you will receive the ticket at the hotel.
Can I purchase the Stay Package when I am from the Eastern Province, to take advantage of its offerings?
Yes, you can.
Is there a specific age group?
Yes, children under the age of 9 are not allowed to enter Ithra’s Theater venue.
Are there accompanying programs to the ceremony?
Yes, there will be accompanying programs; a debate will be held between participants of iRead, a poetry performance by Mohamed Abdelbari, dialogue sessions and book signings as well as the Kutubiya Book Exchange Exhibit and the Writing Room play. You can view the agenda of the Closing Ceremony on the designated page on Ithra’s website.
Is it required to attend each and every segment of the Closing Ceremony?
It is not required to attend each segment of the ceremony or its accompanying programs.
Are the books offered at book signing sessions free?
No, they are not, but they will be available at a discount for every ticket holder.
What is the Kutubiya Book Exchange Exhibit that accompanies the Closing Ceremony?
It is a book swapping event with the aim of recycling books among readers to give them the opportunity to benefit from the books they have read by exchanging them for others.
Does exchanging books require paying any fees or sums of money?
No, it is enough to bring any book of your own and swap it for any book in the exhibition.
Are there any conditions on the exchanged books?
Yes, the book must be in a good condition and no less than 80 pages. Academic books, duplicates, or those that are part of a series are not accepted.
Is it necessary for the book exchanged to be on the same subject?
No.
Is there a limit to the number of exchanged books?
Yes, the maximum is 10 books.
Where can I find the details of the iRead Closing Ceremony and its accompanying programming?
You can view the iRead page on Ithra’s website.