International Award for Arabic Children's Literature sees 16.7% entry surge, UAE leads with 149 submissions

The 18th International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature has recorded 475 entries from 20 countries, marking a 16.7% increase from its previous edition. The UAE submitted the highest number of entries with 149, according to the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), which oversees the award. Registration for the award closed on August 25, 2026. The Picture Book category received the most entries with 184, followed by Early Childhood with 112. Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, stated that this growth reflects an expanding pool of creative talent actively contributing to Arabic-language children's literature. Egypt followed the UAE with 115 entries. The forthcoming shortlist announcement will precede the awards ceremony, where winners will be honored at the Sharjah International Book Fair on November 4, 2026. Why it matters For UAE residents interested in local cultural development, the surge in national entries indicates a robust local creative industry focused on children’s literature. Dubai-based publishers and literary agencies in the GCC will likely encounter an expanding talent pool and a potentially more competitive market for securing Arabic youth authors. Increased investment in literary workshops and mentorship programs within the UAE is anticipated to cultivate this growing sector, potentially leading to more locally produced content reaching classrooms and bookstores.