العربية
As part of its commitment to promoting culture and knowledge through reading and supporting environmental sustainability initiatives, Sohar University—represented by its Learning Resources Centre—participated in the fifth edition of the “Iqra” Marathon 2026. The initiative was launched by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in collaboration with the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, with wide participation from Arab libraries across various countries.
Sohar University’s participation witnessed strong engagement from students and members of the community, attracting a significant number of readers to take part in this cultural initiative, which aims to transform reading into an enjoyable daily practice and reinforce the role of libraries as active knowledge hubs within society. This participation aligns with the University’s mission to promote cultural awareness, foster a love of reading, and support initiatives that enhance critical thinking and creativity among different segments of society.
The University’s contribution also supported the environmental dimension of the marathon, which links reading to sustainability through the principle of planting one tree for every 100 pages read. Through 41,656 pages read as part of Sohar University’s participation, the initiative contributed to the planting of approximately 416 trees, reflecting the integration of knowledge and environmental protection while reinforcing concepts of social responsibility and sustainability.
Over the course of three consecutive days, the fifth edition of the “Iqra” Marathon achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing six and a half million pages read. The event took place at the Library of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)—a Saudi Aramco initiative—and in parallel with 52 libraries across 13 Arab countries, highlighting reading as a collective cultural act capable of creating lasting impact.
The “Iqra” Marathon is a pioneering Arab initiative that brings together libraries and readers in a shared cultural experience. Through its participation, Sohar University’s Learning Resources Centre reaffirms its ongoing commitment to contributing to cultural and environmental initiatives, strengthening its role as an active educational environment serving the community and supporting sustainable development.