The University of Petra Library is representing the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the fifth edition of the Arab “Iqra" (Read) Marathon, organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in cooperation with the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information.
The University of Petra Library is participating in the marathon alongside the digital reading platform “Abjjad," as part of 52 libraries from 13 Arab countries. The marathon will take place from February 5 to February 7, 2026.
Abdullah Al-Hawwas, Head of Ithra Library, stated that the center places great importance on promoting reading, considering it a fundamental source of knowledge. He added that the marathon's continuity for the fifth consecutive year provides motivation to expand participation across Arab countries.
The marathon adopts a community-based environmental message by planting one tree for every 100 pages read, in an initiative that aims to link knowledge gained through reading with environmental protection by increasing green cover.
The current edition has recorded an increase in participation estimated at 235 percent compared to last year. Participating countries include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Palestine, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq.
It is worth noting that the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is an initiative by Saudi Aramco and aims to enrich people's lives through a wide range of creative and cultural programs and initiatives.