The Arab Children Literature Award is now open for entries until August 2026. The award is organised by the UAE Board on Books for Young People and sponsored by e&. It supports writers, illustrators, and publishers who create Arabic books for children and young adults.
The award includes five categories. These are Early Childhood, Picture Book, Chapter Book, Young Adult Book, and Non-Fiction Books. The non-fiction category is the special rotating category for this edition. Registration for the award will continue until July 31, 2026. Printed book submissions will be accepted until August 31, 2026.
The Arab Children Literature Award accepts only original Arabic-language books. The books must be published in print during the last five years. Entries should not have won previous awards. All submissions must follow publishing and intellectual property rules.
Educational books, school books, scientific books, audiobooks, electronic publications, and book series are not accepted in the competition. Publishers can submit up to five titles in the Early Childhood and Picture Book categories. There is no limit for the other categories if all conditions are met.
Applications and digital copies can be submitted through the official award website by registered publishing houses. The total prize value is AED1.2 million. The prize money will be shared among authors, illustrators, and publishers.
Winners of the Arab Children Literature Award will be honoured during the opening ceremony of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026. The award celebrates creative work that enriches Arabic literature for children and young readers.
