The Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s literature was launched in 2009. It aims to provide an incentive for publishers, authors, and illustrators to publish Arabic children’s books and apps that are of the highest quality in both form and content. It is one of the richest awards of its kind in the world and is considered among the most important literary awards for children’s literature in the Arab region.
The value of the Award is AED 1.2 million, distributed across 6 different categories; 5 categories are consistent and the 6th category is subject to change to meet the needs of the market. In 2017, the Award 6th category was ‘Digital Book App’; in recognition of the growing importance of digital content in the publishing industry and to encourage their development. In 2019, the Award 6th category was ‘Best Silent Book’; in recognition of silent books ability to transcend all limitations of language and reach children of different backgrounds.
Every edition, the shortlist is announced in Frankfurt book fair and the winners are announced in November during the Sharjah International Book Fair. Since its launch, the Award has been sponsored by Emirates Telecommunication Corporation, also known as Etisalat.
Warsha Programme
In 2013, the UAEBBY launched ‘Warsha – Etisalat Award Workshop for Children’s Books,’ a groundbreaking initiative by the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature that aims to find and nurture a new generation of talented Arab authors, illustrators, and publishers of Arabic children’s books. The initiative aims to build the skills and competence of young individuals in order to facilitate the creation of books that are rooted in local Arab culture and that not only meet, but surpass international standards.