Celebrating Arabic Children’s Literature: The 18th International Award Honours Excellence Across Five Categories

At Sharjah International Book Fair, H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi presented the winners of the International Award for Arabic Children's Literature, recognising outstanding creative achievement in a field growing with remarkable momentum.

The 18th edition of the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature unfolded at Sharjah International Book Fair in November, a celebration that reflected not merely the recognition of five exceptional works, but the vitality and expansion of a creative sector devoted to young readers. H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, presented the honours across Early Reader, Picture Book, Chapter Book, Young Adult Book and Non-Fiction categories, each category representing distinct and essential stages of a child’s engagement with language and imagination.

The Early Reader award recognised Shapes from the Imagination, written by Nasser Al Dousari and illustrated by Maya Majdalani. Fahman, a Picture Book from the shared creative vision of Masarra Touqan and illustrator Maya Majdalani, received its category’s honour. Unbesieged Minds, a collaborative Chapter Book work conceived by Lina Abou Chaban and brought to life by writers and illustrators across Jordan, claimed that award. The Young Adult category went to The Boy Who Lost His Dream, an illustrated work by Rima Al-Shaal. Non-Fiction, in its second year as a rotating category, honoured The Knowledgeables Trip: A Journey with Arab and Muslim Scholars, written by Muhannad Al Akous and illustrated by Omar Lafi.

The ceremony acknowledged the contributions of jury members whose expertise shaped the selection process, their work guided by criteria encompassing originality of concept, quality of text and illustration, precision of language, production standards and age appropriateness. Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, spoke of the award’s role in encouraging recognition of children’s books as complete creative works, where every element from conception to production merits careful attention. She emphasised the award’s ambition to broaden readership, strengthen the presence of exceptional books in schools and libraries, and foster translation that extends their reach.

The scale of participation in this edition revealed the expanding landscape of Arabic children’s publishing. The competition received 475 entries from 20 countries, submitted by 148 publishers and involving 324 authors and 231 illustrators. These figures represented substantial growth: approximately 17 per cent more entries than the previous edition, with publisher participation rising by 28 per cent and author participation by 16 per cent. Of the submissions received, 434 met eligibility requirements, from which a carefully selected shortlist of 25 books emerged, published by 17 houses across eight countries.

Geographic diversity characterised both the submissions and the creative professionals involved. By publisher location, the UAE led for the second consecutive year with 149 books, followed by Egypt with 115, Jordan with 52, Saudi Arabia with 43 and Lebanon with 27. Syrian publishers saw notable growth, their submissions increasing from three to eleven. Publishers from beyond the Arab world also participated, including Canada with 15 entries, Türkiye with nine, Switzerland with eight and the United Kingdom with one. Authors represented 29 countries and illustrators 33, reflecting a truly international community of creators committed to enriching children’s literature in Arabic.

Saood Ibrahim Saleh, Vice President of Government Sales for Dubai and the Northern Emirates at Etisalat, noted that the award’s celebration at the book fair acquired particular significance as a convergence of multiple commitments: sponsorship of both the fair and the award reflected a conviction that supporting culture constitutes fundamental social responsibility. He spoke of the evolving relationship between technology and reading, emphasising the enduring importance of comprehension, discernment and independent thinking in an era of rapid technological change, particularly for young readers who will shape the future.

Since its creation in 2009, the award has advanced Arabic content that merges enjoyment with literary, artistic and educational value, introducing creators to wider audiences and strengthening the presence of exceptional books in homes, schools and libraries across the region. Sheikha Bodour’s sustained commitment to nurturing creative expression and cultural development has positioned this award as a cornerstone of the Arabic children’s publishing landscape.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The flourishing of Arabic children’s literature carries profound implications for Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE. The award’s recognition of excellence in writing, illustration and publication directly strengthens the creative industries ecosystem that forms an essential component of the emirates’ cultural and economic vision. The growing participation of Emirati publishers and creators, the UAE’s leadership in submissions for the second consecutive year, signals the emirate’s position as a hub for creative talent and innovative thinking.

Beyond industry metrics, the award embodies a commitment to cultivating the intellectual and imaginative capacities of young people throughout the region. Books that combine rigorous artistic standards with age appropriate engagement shape how children perceive language, develop critical thinking and encounter their cultural heritage. By supporting the creation, recognition and dissemination of such works, Abu Dhabi and the UAE invest in the intellectual foundations that will serve generations to come.

Source: WAM