Bodour Al Qasimi Celebrates Winners Of 17th International Award For Arabic Children’s Literature

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, recently honoured the winners of the 17th International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature. The ceremony took place at Expo Centre Sharjah during the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair. This event celebrated Arab authors whose works have captivated young readers and advanced Arabic literature in children's publishing.

The award ceremony was attended by notable figures including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY; and Mohammed Al Amimi from e& UAE. Writers, illustrators, publishers, and cultural figures also joined to celebrate this occasion. The event highlighted the creativity and talent within the Arab literary community.

During the ceremony, winners across five categories were announced. In the Early Childhood category (ages 0–5), "Tomorrow is Another Day" by Dalia Al Menhall Mirza won. The Picture Book category (ages 5–9) went to "Jerusalem's Hidden Gate" by Ibtisam Suleiman Barakat. "A Dive" by Nour ElHoda Mohamed secured the Chapter Book category (ages 9–12). Hala Abbas's "Children of the Shadow" won in Young Adults (ages 13–18), while "Who Am I" by Qais Saleh Al Hanti took Non-Fiction (up to age 18).

The jury members were recognised for their role in selecting winners based on originality, language quality, visual presentation, and inspiration for young readers. This year saw a record-breaking 407 submissions from 22 countries since its inception in 2009. The UAE led with 111 entries, followed by Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. Submissions also came from Europe, including Finland and Spain.

Mohammed Al Amimi emphasised that their partnership with UAEBBY is rooted in a shared belief in children's literature as a vital cultural endeavour. He stated that through this award, they aim to support Arab writers and illustrators in creating quality books accessible to every Arab child. This aligns with e& UAE’s mission to foster connection through culture alongside technology.

Al Amimi added that IAACL has shown that cultural sustainability depends on partnerships built on trust and shared vision. He expressed pride in being part of this success which has established IAACL as a leading platform for creativity in Arabic children’s literature. Their sponsorship is seen as an investment in empowering children with knowledge.

A Platform for Emerging Voices

Marwa Al Aqroubi noted that since its inception 17 years ago, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's vision has inspired generations through this initiative. It aims to provide Arab children with literature reflecting their identity and fostering a love of reading. This vision positioned Sharjah as a hub for Arab publishing and creativity.

Al Aqroubi concluded that each year IAACL highlights emerging Arab voices shaping future children's literature. The winners of this edition have upheld integrity and imagination in their work. Their achievements are not just personal but triumphs for the Arabic language itself.

Diverse Themes and Styles

The winning titles showcased diverse themes ranging from imaginative stories promoting tolerance to young adult novels exploring identity questions. Some works encouraged curiosity through interactive or reflective forms. Collectively they demonstrated Arabic children’s literature's depth in addressing young readers' questions and hopes.

With a total value of AED1.2 million, IAACL is among the region’s most prestigious honours dedicated to children’s publishing. Each category offers AED180,000 divided among author, illustrator, and publisher except Young Adult which shares between author and publisher only.

An additional AED300,000 supports Warsha training program launched in 2013 aimed at developing Arab writers according to global standards.

With inputs from WAM