The International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature (IAACL), presented by e& and organised by the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), announced the shortlist for its 17th edition during a press conference at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This year’s selection features 25 titles across five categories, with five books competing in each, and the shortlist highlights the geographic diversity of Arabic publishing, with Jordanian publishers leading with ten nominated books, followed by Egypt with seven, the UAE with four, Lebanon with three, and Bahrain with one.
Since its inception in 2009, the award has evolved into a leading cultural benchmark for children’s and young adult literature, driven by the visionary leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Founder and Honorary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People. This year, the award received a record 407 submissions from 22 countries, involving 280 authors, 263 illustrators, and 116 publishers. This growth reflects both the rising status of the award and the expansion of Arabic children’s publishing, where the creative ambitions of the industry are successfully aligning with the expectations of young readers.
The choice of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to announce the shortlist reflects the international dimension of the award and reinforces its global presence as a leading platform that offers Arab children’s authors broader horizons to connect with young readers around the world. The conference witnessed wide participation from cultural figures, officials, and institutions involved in publishing and the book industry.
A shortlist that highlights diverse creative voices and styles
The Early Childhood category (ages 0–5)
“Abi Yuhib Ummi” by Amal Nasser, illustrated by Paulina Morgan, published by Kalimat Group from the UAE; “Indama Ashouru Bil Malal” by Nour Al Huda Mohammed, illustrated by Noura Al Khalifa, published by Kalila wa Dimna from Jordan; “Ghadan Yawm Akhar” by Dalia Al Manhal Mirza, illustrated by Maya Majdalani, published by Kalila wa Dimna from Jordan; “Kayfa Anam?” by Amal Nasser, illustrated by Sally Samir, published by Kalila wa Dimna from Jordan; and “Matha Yujad Fi Qalbi?” by Yamam Khurtach, illustrated by Shereen Saeed Al Seirafi, published by Al Yasmine Publishing House from Jordan.
The Picture Book category (ages 5–9)
“Ayna Yakhtafi Fahd?” by Amal Nasser, illustrated by Noha Jamal, published by Tanmia Publishing House from Egypt; “Bab Al Quds Al Khafiya” by Ibtisam Suleiman Barakat, illustrated by Charlotte Chama, published by Al Salwa publishing from Jordan; “Buyut” by Nour Al Huda Mohammed, illustrated by Sara Oguloti, published by by Al Salwa publishing from Jordan; “Thikra Lil Bay’” by Sarah Abdullah, illustrated by Nour Haidar, published by Kalimat Group from the UAE; and “Wijhat Nazar” by Abeer Adel Ahmed, illustrated by Zarifa Haidar, published by Al Yasmine Publishing House from Jordan.
The Chapter Book category (ages 9–12)
“Akhir Bayda Fi Al Alam” by Amal Nasser, illustrated by Nadine Issa, published by Al Yasmine Publishing House from Jordan; “Al Alam Min Wijhat Nazar Dooda” by Dr. Mohammed Kajak, illustrated by Nadine Issa, published by Qumra from Lebanon; “Risala Ila” by Salsabeel Arabi, illustrated by Hadi Fawzi, published by Al Mustaqbal for E-Learning and Printing from Egypt; “Ghatsa” by Nour Al Huda Mohammed, illustrated by Zeina Al Messiri, published by Dar Rahiq Al Kutub from Egypt; and “Kazem wa Durriyya: Khittat Uthn Al Fa’r” by Nesma Sherif, illustrated by Sara Mar’i, published by Alia Publishing House from the UAE.
The Young Adult category (ages 13–18)
“Abna’ Al Thil” by Hala Abbas, published by Aseer Alkotb from Egypt; “Abna’ Al Qamar” by Dr. Mohammed Kajak, published by Qumra from Lebanon; “Awrak Habiba” by Hijra Al Sawy, illustrated by Mayada Massad, published by Nahdet Misr Publishing House from Egypt; “Jabo 101” by Rania Baddah, illustrated by Mohammed Al Hamou, published by Nahdet Misr Publishing House from Egypt; and “Al Sirr” by Mais Dagher, illustrated by Fadi Atoura, published by Asala Publishers from Lebanon.
The Non-Fiction and Realistic Books category (up to age 18)
“Ana” by Qais Saleh Al Hanti, illustrated by Isra Haidari, published by Al Salwa publishing from Jordan; “Al Rahhala Al Masri” by Hiba Abdel Jawad, published by Aseer Al Kutub from Egypt; “Indama ‘Anaqt Al Samaa” by Mozah Al Maktoum, illustrated by Rami Tannous, published by Kalimat Group from the UAE; “Kawakib Fi Al Fada” by Masrah Touqan, illustrated by Shireen Quteina, published by Kalila wa Dimna from Jordan; and “Lima Tateer Al Balonat?” by Asya Ahmed Abdel Lawi, illustrated by Shireen Adham Mostafa, published by Al-Noor Educational Publishing Foundation from Bahrain.
Books are no longer confined by geography
In her remarks during the press conference, Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY, affirmed that the 17th edition witnessed the highest number since its inception with 407 submissions from 22 countries. She said, “The response to this edition reflects the growing importance of Arabic chilen’s literature and the trust that writers, illustrators, and publishers place in this award as a standard of excellence. Today, we honour the works that reached the shortlist, representing the best creative achievements in literature for children and young adults.”
“This is a defining moment for Arabic children’s literature. It demonstrates that our books are no longer confined by geography, but are part of a broader human conversation that conveys a message of hope for future generations. Every title on this list opens a space for imagination and reinforces a lasting connection with our language and culture,” Al Aqroubi added.
She also thanked the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for hosting the press conference and the strategic partner e& for its continued support since the award’s inception, which has helped establish its influence both regionally and internationally.
Culture as a bridge between civilizations
Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, expressed his pride in hosting the event, stating: “Announcing the shortlist for the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature adds a significant chapter to our library’s history. It combines heritage with creativity, reaffirming that culture remains the strongest bridge between people and generations. This event reflects our conviction that children’s literature plays a crucial role in shaping awareness and identity. Just as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has long been a centre of knowledge, today it celebrates young readers and serves as a gateway to imagination and discovery.”
Knowledge as a foundation for progress
Mohammed Al Amimi, Acting General Manager of e& Northen Emirates, said: “Our sponsorship of this award reflects e&’s firm commitment to supporting initiatives that invest in people and in the role of knowledge as a foundation for progress, and we are proud to be part of this effort that has carried Arabic books from Sharjah to the world. As e& links people through its networks and services, books unite hearts and minds through ideas. The award has built a strong community of writers, illustrators, and publishers, creating a culture of healthy competition that drives quality and innovation.”
The announcement of the winners will take place during the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair on November 5, 2025. With a total prize value of AED 1.2 million distributed across five categories, the award reaffirms its position as one of the most prestigious honors dedicated to Arabic children’s literature.
