Etisalat Children's Book Award workshop for 4 Arab publishers

November 12, 2024 / 8:47 PM

Sharjah24: During the 14th Publishers' Conference organised by the Sharjah Book Authority in anticipation of the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair 2024, the "Workshop" program of the Etisalat Award for Children's Book, coordinated by the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) in partnership with "E&UAE," featured four Arab publishers who specialise in children's and youth literature. The event sought to strengthen the skills of Arab talent while offering a platform for networking and sharing expertise among professionals in the publishing industry.

The publishers involved included Kalila and Dimna Publishing from Jordan, The Red Fox Library from Oman, Balsam Publishing from Egypt, and Kiwi Publishing from the UAE. The "Workshop" programme emphasises workshops in drawing, writing, and production aimed at nurturing young talent and enhancing the development of children's books in the Arab world. It strives to create innovative books that align with global standards while authentically representing Arab culture.

Mawra Al-Aqroubi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, conveyed her delight in welcoming these publishers, highlighting the chance for networking and acquiring insights through a range of discussions and meetings at the Publishers' Conference. The conference provided participants with the opportunity to delve into trends within the publishing industry.

The publishers participated in workshops covering various subjects, including how to utilise the features of "Meta" (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) for marketing, promoting books through TikTok, exploring the future of AI in publishing, and examining the impact of technology on content creation and sales.

Initiated in 2013, the Etisalat Award for Children's Book’s "Workshop" initiative promotes reading by highlighting exceptional works from authors, illustrators, and publishers while inspiring future generations of Arab talent in the realm of children's literature. The SIBF Fair features a session focused on cultural identity and its associated challenges.