Entries Open For Etisalat Award's 16th Edition In Arabic Children's Literature

The 16th edition of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature has officially opened its doors to submissions from creators of children's and young adult books around the globe. This prestigious award, known for celebrating excellence in the field of Arabic children’s literature, is organized into five distinct categories: 'Early Reader', 'Picture Book', 'Chapter Book', 'Young Adult's Book', and 'Poetry Book'. With an aim to broaden its appeal and reach, the award seeks to draw in a plethora of high-quality entries that cover a wide range of topics, thereby enriching the developmental journey of young readers.

At the heart of this initiative is the goal to foster a deeper love for reading among children and to strengthen their emotional ties with literature. By emphasizing the importance of theme, text, and illustration quality, the award aspires to not only captivate young minds but also to contribute significantly to their intellectual and emotional growth. Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY (United Arab Emirates Board on Books for Young People), highlighted the award’s dedication to bolstering the Arabic children's book industry. This includes offering support to authors, illustrators, and publishers through specialized training aimed at elevating their literary outputs to global standards.

Etisalat, a leading figure in technology and investment, proudly continues its sponsorship of this influential award. Over the past 15 years, their support has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Arabic children's literature. Etisalat's commitment extends beyond mere sponsorship; they are invested in fostering cultural exchange and understanding among young readers worldwide through the power of reading.

The award not only celebrates literary achievements but also includes a comprehensive workshop program designed to unearth and nurture new Arab talent in the literary field. For a work to be eligible for nomination, it must be an original piece written in Arabic, published in print form, and must adhere to all intellectual property and publishing rights regulations. The deadline for submission is set for August 31st, with the winners slated to be announced at the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2024.

This initiative represents a significant opportunity for authors, illustrators, and publishers within the Arabic children’s book sector to gain recognition for their work on an international stage. Furthermore, it underscores a collective effort towards creating globally competitive titles that have the potential to be translated into various languages, thus reaching a wider audience. The Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature continues to play a pivotal role in enriching the cultural landscape by encouraging young individuals to explore and understand diverse cultures and civilizations through reading.

With inputs from WAM