Sharjah:H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), honored the winners of the 18th edition of the International Award for Arabic Children's Literature. The awards, presented by Etisalat and organized by UAEBBY, were announced at a ceremony during the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026.
According to Wam, the event was attended by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY; and Saood Ibrahim Saleh, Vice President of Government Sales for Dubai and the Northern Emirates at Etisalat. Also present were cultural figures, representatives from the book sector, jury members, and numerous authors, illustrators, publishers, and media professionals, alongside guests of SIBF.
Sheikha Bodour presented the awards in five categories Early Reader, Picture Book, Chapter Book, Young Adult Book, and Non-Fiction. The Early Reader award went to "Shapes from the Imagination," while "Fahman" won the Picture Book category. The Chapter Book award was given to "Unbesieged Minds," and "The Boy Who Lost His Dream" won in the Young Adult Book category. The Non-Fiction award was given to "The Knowledgeables Trip - A Journey with Arab and Muslim Scholars."
Marwa Al Aqroubi expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his support of UAEBBY and its initiatives. She highlighted the award's role in encouraging the creation of quality children's books and fostering collaboration among authors, illustrators, and publishers.
Saood Ibrahim Saleh emphasized the significance of the Sharjah International Book Fair and the award in promoting cultural and literary achievements. He underlined the importance of reading for developing comprehension and independent thinking, particularly in children's books.
The award's 18th edition received 475 entries from 20 countries, with the UAE leading submissions for the second consecutive year. A shortlist of 25 books from eight countries was selected based on criteria such as originality, text quality, and suitability for the intended age group.
Launched in 2009, the award aims to encourage the development of Arabic content that combines enjoyment with educational value. The ceremony at the Sharjah International Book Fair provided an opportunity to showcase the winners' work to a broader audience and foster industry partnerships.
Source Wam