UAE model of enriching Arabic children's literature garners attracts international attention and praise

Sharjah 20 April 2012 - The delegation representing the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature concluded its participation in the London Book Fair, one of the most important events in the world publishing calendar held in the UK capital, London over three days from 16 to 18 April 2012 and witnessing the participation of over 1500 publishing houses from all over the world.

The delegation presented its experience in organising the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature and highlighted the role the award plays in highlighting and recognizing the creative contributions of children's book writers, illustrators and publishers. The award is highly regarded for its noteworthy achievements within the relatively short span of time since its inception in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, HE Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the UAEBBY which manages the award, said: "Our participation in the Fair was a resounding success, with our stand attracting many visitors which included experts and publishing professionals who appreciated the importance of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature and the positive praise it has received under the management of the UAEBBY. This award reflects the UAE's interest in developing the quality of books, media and other cultural products created for children as well as the remarkable recent achievements realised in the field of children' literature in our region".  

Mr. Abdul Aziz Taryam, General Manager of Etisalat in the Northern Emirates, said: "We know that children's literature and children's culture form important bases for the evolution and growth of any society.  It is, therefore, everyone's responsibility to support this form of literature as it contributes to the building of our society's human capital.  Thanks to the support of the UAEBBY and its president HE Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the Etisalat Award has been making remarkable and tangible progress in supporting the Arab children's book industry and promoting the work of its practitioners on the international cultural scene. We are confident that the best is yet to come".

There was a large turnout of visitors at the stand of the Etisalat Award at the London Book Fair, and there were many inquiries from publishers, writers and illustrators about the details and rules of entry with the delegation providing visitors with necessary information about the procedure of entry submission.

The Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature, worth one million AED, is an award organized in the UAE under the management of the UAEBBY. In its three editions, the entries submitted to the award have included the works of many well-known writers, illustrators and publishers. The 2009 winner of the Etisalat Prize for Arabic Children's Literature was Ana Aheb (I Love), written by Nabiha Muhaidali while Al Noqta Al Sawda (The Black Dot), written and illustrated by Walid Taher won the award in 2010. The 2011 Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature was awarded to Amani Al Ashmawi for her book Teari Ya Tayara (Fly Away Kite), which was illustrated by Hanadi Sleet and published by Nahdet Misr Publishing House (Egypt).

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© Press Release 2012