Regional, international UAEBBY’s presence at Rabat Book Fair

SHARJAH / WAM

As part of Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair (RIBF 2025), which recently concluded, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) presented a vibrant programme of events that reflected its vision of nurturing a culture of reading among new generations. The programme placed particular emphasis on introducing visitors and participants to the renamed International Children’s Arabic Literature Award sponsored by “e&,” which was revealed for the first time in Morocco’s capital Throughout its participation, UAEBBY was determined to engage with significant figures in the children’s publishing sector — including publishers, authors, and illustrators, particularly from Morocco and the Arab world.
The council presented them with the new prize’s identity, aimed at increasing participation, while addressing their enquiries and allowing them to examine the award-winning books and shortlisted works from the most recent cycle. This platform is intended to promote the quality of Arab children’s literature and to inspire more excellence and competition in the sector.
Within the cultural programme, Sharjah’s pavilion presented a panel discussion titled “Folk Tales Reimagined,” commemorating an artwork display jointly created by Emirati and Moroccan illustrators. The show reimagined old folk stories from both nations through a contemporary visual language rooted in the cultural history of the two societies.
The session explored the impact of this initiative in reviving cultural memory and fostering artistic dialogue across generations, with the participation of Fatima Al Zahra from the National Library of Morocco, illustrators Lamia Hamidout and Hind Kharifi from Morocco, and illustrators Rafia Al Nassar and Khalid Al Khawar from the UAE.
A second panel discussion was dedicated to introducing the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature. It elaborated on the new identity, which symbolises a significant leap in the award’s vision and role in boosting the Arab children’s book sector. The discussion covered the reasons for the name change and the need to grow into regional cultural markets, especially Morocco, to encourage local publishers to join.
Iman Mohammed from UAEBBY and Yasmine Al Kawakibi from the Moroccan Board on Books for the Young took part in the debate, underlining the significance of improving the quality of children’s literature and advancing publishing and distribution channels to enable wider accessibility. The third panel complimented UAEBBY’s efforts to promote reading through the “Once Upon a Time” programme, undertaken in Morocco in conjunction with the Moroccan Board on Books for Young People. The effort resulted in the development of five libraries in local schools, each with 200 carefully picked books for various age groups. The discussion, moderated by Iman Mohammed and including Nadia Al Najjar and Yasmine Al Kawakibi, focused on the project’s societal impact, particularly its achievement in establishing a learning environment that values reading as a fundamental knowledge and educational tool. It also featured student-relatable stories and discussed how dynamic Arab partnerships may boost school libraries.
President of UAEBBY Marwa Al Aqroubi remarked, “We are thrilled to be part of the Sharjah pavilion as Guest of Honour at the Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair (RIBF 2025). Our participation in this prestigious cultural event continues UAEBBY’s support for children’s and young adult literature while also reaffirming our commitment to broadening connections with Arab and worldwide audiences. It emphasises the importance of children’s reading in instilling human values and bridging cultural divides.”
She added, “During our participation, we sought to introduce visitors and specialists to the International Children’s Arabic Literature Award presented by ‘e&’, launched by UAEBBY to celebrate the finest literary productions for children and to inspire writers, illustrators, and publishers to provide content that uplifts the tastes and minds of future generations. We also aimed to strengthen creative dialogue and forge impactful connections with children’s literature professionals, advancing our vision of bringing inspiring stories and books to every child, regardless of where they are, and opening up new avenues of collaboration with Moroccan and regional cultural institutions.”
The UAEBBY pavilion drew a lot of attention, notably from children’s publishing experts who were eager to learn more about the prize and its participation methods. The UAEBBY team explained the award categories, judging methodology, and philosophy, focusing on encouragement and excellence.
On the sidelines of the event, UAEBBY hosted several professional meetings with Moroccan and international publishers and institutions involved in children’s culture. These discussions covered opportunities for collaboration in translation, publishing, and distribution, as well as potential combined events in the near future.
UAEBBY’s involvement included the inauguration of the Moroccan edition of the “Folk Tales Reimagined” exhibition, which was held by the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco. The exhibition featured breathtaking artworks by Emirati and Moroccan illustrators who brought ancient folk stories to life with a new visual language.