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The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) isthe national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) in the United Arab Emirates. Established in Switzerland in 1953, IBBY is a global network comprising individuals and organisations from 82 countries, who are committed to bring books and children together. The UAEBBY emerged as a non-profit entity in 2010 as a direct result of the efforts of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Patron of the UAEBBY.

In line with IBBY's mission to ensure that children have access to literature of exceptional literary and artistic quality, the UAEBBY seeks to become the driving force behind a reading culture among children and young people. Since its establishment, the UAEBBY has been introducing and developing a broad range of unique projects and initiatives. Some of these initiatives focus on providing support and training to publishers, authors, and illustrators, with the goal of enriching Arabic children's literature. Meanwhile, others directly engage children through a variety ofactivities, including organising reading sessions and facilitating book discussions with young adults.

Over the years, UAEBBY has steadfastly pursued its mission, achieving notable recognition for its exceptional contributions. In 2016, UAEBBY was presented with the ‘UAE Pioneers Award' in the category of ‘Best NGO encouraging reading among youth’ during the 'Year of Reading.' This prestigious recognition was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Ministerof the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The award was a testament to the impact of UAEBBY's 'Read. Dream. Create' campaign, which was launched in 2013. Furthermore, as part of the same initiative, Etisalat was honoured with the award for the ‘Best private entity initiative encouraging children to read’ due to its official sponsorship of the "Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature," an award organised by UAEBBY.

Our Mission

Promoting International Understanding: UAEBBY aims to foster international understanding through the medium of children's books.

Providing Professional Support and Training: UAEBBY is dedicated to offering support and training for professionals working with children in the field of children's literature, helping to nurture a culture of reading.

Supporting Authors, Illustrators, and Publishers: UAEBBY offers networking, information exchange, and capacity-building opportunities for aspiring and established authors, illustrators, and publishing houses based in the UAE.

Elevating the Standards of Arabic Children's Books: UAEBBY endeavours to encourage the publication and distribution of high-quality children's books in the UAE. It also aims to raise the quality of Arabic children's literature to international standards.

Fostering Research and Scholarly studies: UAEBBY is committed to stimulating research and scholarly studies in the field of children's literature.

Promoting Access to High-Quality Books: UAEBBY seeks to provide children in the UAE with access to books that meet high literary and artistic standards.

Facilitating Communication and Information Exchange: UAEBBY aims to promote effective communication and information sharing among individuals and organisations dedicated to children's literature, both within the UAE and internationally.

The Team

To facilitate communication and information exchange among individuals and organisations concerned with children’s literature in the UAE and abroad.

Meet our team

President of UAEBBY

Marwa Al Aqroubi

Programs and Award Manager

Eman Mohamed

General Coordinator

Laila Qiamuddin

General Coordinator

Nour Kamal Ellouh

International Board on Books for Young People

IBBY is an non-profit organisation that was founded in Zurich, Switzerland in 1953. Today, it is composed of84 National Sections all over the world.It represents countries with well-developed book publishing and literacy programmes, and other countries with only a few dedicated professionals who are doing pioneer work in children's book publishing and promotion.

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