Etisalat Award showcases skillsets of Arab comic book artists

The sponsored artists include Somaya Mohsen Al-Amoudi, author, illustrator and book designer from the UAE; Diala Presely, a Syrian cartoonist; illustrator Lina Merhej from Lebanon; Mohamed Taha Mohamed Desouki, illustrator from Egypt, and illustrator Noha Habib from Tunisia.

Under its ‘Warsha’ workshop programme which aims to build the skills and competencies of talented Arab illustrators, authors and publishers of Arabic children’s books, the Award hosted several interactive upskilling workshops and highlighted the works of Arabic comic book artists. 

Through its presence at the event, the Award sponsored the ‘Alley’ stand to incentivise Arab illustrators to hone their aesthetic and technical skills and enhance their competitive edge on the international level due to the increasing appeal of comics in children’s literature.

Commenting on the Award's participation at Comic Con, Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY, said: “Comics are still rooted in the minds of generations that have grown up with it. Introducing comics to children at an early age is a proven way to encourage them to become lifelong readers. The appeal of rich, lively visuals unleash children’s imagination and take them on journeys with their superheroes, in an  experience that is both educative and fun.” 

Al Aqroubi added: “Given the importance of comic books in fostering a culture of reading in children, the Etisalat Award launched the ‘Comic Book’ category in its latest edition, to enable creatives in the field compete and showcase their work and enhance the quality of output in this genre across the Arab world. We see Middle East Film & Comic Con as an important platform to introduce participants of the Award to the creative potential of international works, and to inspire them to advance their skills to benefit the comics sector in the Arab world.”