TARA evolved from the desire of a small group of educators to provide a forum for literacy education in the region.  TARA 1994, the first conference of its kind for the Gulf area, had over 350 attendees from around the Middle East.  Since that humble beginning, TARA has continued to provide an opportunity for educators to celebrate literacy and to grow professionally through the annual conference.  Attendance has multiplied as well, with TARA 2005 topping 450 delegates, and TARA 2008 reaching more than 700 delegates.

We are affiliated with the International Reading Association. Our mission is to promote literacy in both Arabic and English.