The award welcomes authors, illustrators and publishers specialising in Arabic-language children's and young adult literature from around the world.

The five categories include Early Childhood, Picture Book, Chapter Book, Young Adult Book and Non-Fiction Books, with the latter serving as the rotating category for the current edition.

Eligibility requirements

Submitted works must be original, written in Arabic, and published in print within the past five years. Entries must not have previously received awards and must fully comply with intellectual property and publishing rights requirements.

Educational, school and scientific books, book series, electronic publications and audiobooks are not eligible.

Submission process

Publishers may submit up to five Arabic-language titles in the Early Childhood and Picture Book categories, and there is no limit on submissions in the remaining categories, provided all requirements are met.

Applications and digital copies of books can be submitted by registered publishing houses through the award’s official website.

Supporting creative excellence

The total prize value is AED1.2 million, distributed among authors, illustrators and publishers across the five categories.

Winners will be announced and honoured at the opening ceremony of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 in recognition of their contributions to enriching Arabic content for children and young adults.