The 18th edition of the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature has officially launched in Italy at the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair, which ran until April 16. This significant event saw the announcement of a substantial total prize value of Dh1.2 million distributed across five categories. The launch was graced by the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Founder and Honorary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), underscoring the award’s importance. The fair itself, a global gathering for publishers, authors, and illustrators, highlighted a strong Emirati cultural presence, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to advancing literature.
The award structure includes key categories such as ‘Early Childhood,’ dedicated to books for children aged birth to five years, and a ‘Non-Fiction Books’ category, designated for readers up to 18 years old and selected biennially. Publishers are invited to submit up to five Arabic titles in both the Early Childhood and Picture Book categories, while an unlimited number of submissions is welcomed in other categories, provided they meet strict criteria for originality, quality, and relevance to the designated age group. Arabic-speaking authors, illustrators, and publishers worldwide are invited to submit their original, print-published works until August 31, ensuring they comply with intellectual property rights and have not received prior awards. Educational, school, scientific books, series, e-books, and audiobooks are specifically excluded from eligibility.
Mohammed Al Amimi, Acting General Manager – Northern Emirates at e& UAE, the award’s main sponsor, expressed pride in their more than fifteen-year partnership with the UAE Board on Books for Young People. He emphasized the award’s crucial role in developing the Arabic children’s book industry, serving as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing talent, and enriching Arabic libraries with high-quality publications for all ages. Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, further articulated the award’s mission to build a global platform celebrating Arabic creativity in children’s literature, supporting professionals, and empowering them to produce works that meet international standards while authentically reflecting the richness of Arab culture.
Applicants can submit digital copies of their works via the award’s official website, though submissions must be made through officially registered publishing houses, with no resubmission of previously entered works. The jury maintains the right to withhold awards or disqualify non-compliant entries, with their decisions being final. The much-anticipated winners of the Dh1.2 million prize will be announced and honored at the opening ceremony of the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2026. This prestigious award continues to cement its position as a cornerstone in promoting and recognizing excellence in Arabic children’s literature globally.
