Int’l Award for Arabic Children's Literature participates in BCBF

It is the award's first participation at the fair under its new identity, which was launched last November.

Expanding global presence

The award's presence at BCBF comes as part of its commitment to expanding its global presence, introducing its new identity, and opening up new avenues for collaboration with leading players in the children's book industry worldwide, particularly Arab publishers based in Europe. This will encourage them to submit their works and compete in upcoming editions of the award. The event will also engage with experts and stakeholders in the children's book industry, informing them of the activities and UAEBBY events. 

BCBF, which took place this year from March 30 to April 3, is an international platform bringing together publishing houses, illustrators, writers, and creators of visual and printed content for children. This provides the award with an important opportunity to strengthen its networks, deepen its relationships with the global publishing community, and expand its network of stakeholders. This will contribute to the development of the Arab children's book industry and motivate more of its professionals to innovate and excel. 

Introducing the new identity of the award

Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, said that through UAEBBY participation in BCBF, the Board was keen to introduce the new identity of the International Award for Arabic Children's Literature, which represents a new beginning for consolidating the award's standing regionally and internationally, and expanding its presence among Arab bookmakers around the world. The participation has contributed to strengthening communication with Arab publishers based in Europe, who often lack direct channels of communication with awards and cultural initiatives in the Arab world. 

Al Aqroubi explained that UAEBBY sees this step as a natural extension of the ongoing efforts to make the award a platform that brings together all Arab creators in the field of children's literature. Al Aqroubi added that since its launch in 2009, at the initiative of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and Honourary President of UAEBBY and Chairperson of SBA, the award has proven to be more than just an annual competition. It is a true tool for developing the Arabic children's book industry, through its strict standards and the appreciation it accords to all those who add value to this creative field. She hopes this participation will contribute to enhancing the translation opportunities for the winning and shortlisted books, allowing them to reach readers around the world of all languages and nationalities. 

BCBF also saw the announcement of a new Emirati literary achievement: "Letters from a Different Time", written by Nadia Al Najjar and Noura Al Khoury, illustrated by Asma Al Hosani, and published by Al Hudhud Publishing House. The book was selected for the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)'s Distinguished Books for Children with Disabilities list for 2025. This is the first Emirati book to be included on this prestigious international list, reflecting the influence and power of valuable Emirati narratives for young readers. 

UAE presence in the international arena

The exhibition also announced the nominations of Emirati illustrator Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan and Emirati writer Maitha Al Khayat for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the world's most prestigious children's literature award. This initiative by the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), Al Sharhan and Al Khayat joined 78 nominees from 44 countries competing for the award, reflecting the UAE's strong presence among children's literature creators worldwide. 

During the exhibition, the award's pavilion offered visitors and publishers the opportunity to learn more about the award's categories, entry requirements, and judging criteria, in addition to showcasing the most prominent winning books from previous editions. The award's team also answered visitors' questions and listened to their suggestions and aspirations in an interactive dialogue aimed at developing the overall award experience. This step comes within the framework of the UAEBBY's efforts to promote the award at various international forums. 

Future collaborations

This participation aligns with the UAEBBY's vision of enhancing Arab presence at international exhibitions and conferences dedicated to children's books and building fruitful partnerships with various cultural institutions and initiatives around the world. The award's participation in Bologna is expected to open the door to further collaboration with international publishers interested in Arabic children's literature and facilitate the access of winning books to the widest possible audience, both within the Arab world and beyond.