Early Reader (0 – 5)

• The entry should be a children's book targeting children aged 0 – 5.
• Each publisher may nominate a maximum of 5 titles for the Early Reader Category.
• The winning publisher of this category shall provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book during Sharjah international Book Fair for archiving and promotion bearing the logo of the Award for non-profit use.
• The winning author and illustrator of this category should each provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book for non-profit use.
• The illustrator who wins this category should submit a proposed theme for the next edition of the Award within a month after the winner's announcement.

Picture Book (5 – 9)

• The entry should be a children's book targeting children aged 5 – 9.
• Each publisher may nominate a maximum of 5 titles for the Picture Book Category.
• The winning publisher of this category shall provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book during Sharjah international Book Fair for archiving and promotion bearing the logo of the Award for non-profit use.
• The winning author and illustrator of this category should each provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book for non-profit use.
• The illustrator who wins this category should submit a proposed theme for the next edition of the Award within a month after the winner's announcement.

Chapter Book (09 – 12)

Unlike picture books, chapter book tells the story primarily through prose, rather than pictures. The name refers to the fact that the story is usually divided into short chapters, providing readers with opportunities to pause and resume reading if their attention span is not long enough to finish the book in one sitting. Chapter books are usually of medium length and complexity.

• The entry should be targeting children aged 09 – 12.
• Arabic non-fiction and fiction are all eligible to receive the award.
• We don't require publishers to strictly limit the quantity of titles submitted in this category. Publishers may submit as many books as they wish and are encouraged to do so. However, we urge publishers to use their best judgment and send only those titles that they believe are distinguished enough to warrant consideration.
• The winning publisher of this category shall provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book during Sharjah international Book Fair for archiving and promotion bearing the logo of the Award for non-profit use.
• The winning author and illustrator of this category should each provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book for non-profit use.

Young Adult’s Book (13 – 18)

• The entry should be targeting young adults aged 13 - 18.
• New or revised editions of previously issued books are eligible at the discretion of the judges, but reprinted editions are not. In this case, please submit a copy of the original edition and list all the changes made in the revised edition.
• Arabic nonfiction and fiction are all eligible for the award.
• We don't require publishers to strictly limit the quantity of titles submitted. Publishers may submit as many books as they wish and are encouraged to do so. However, we urge publishers to use their best judgment and send only those titles that they believe are distinguished enough to warrant consideration.
• Plot and Storyline: The book should have an engaging and well-developed plot that keeps the reader interested throughout the story. It should also have a strong, clear storyline that is easy to follow.
• Characters: The characters in the book should be well-developed, complex, and relatable. They should be three-dimensional and have their own unique personalities and motivations.
  1. Physical: The physical characteristics of a character can influence their outlook on the world and how others perceive them. These characteristics may include gender, age, race, athleticism, health, gracefulness, attractiveness, and voice pitch.
  2. Psychological: Psychological traits refer to the personality aspects of a character. This includes their outlook towards life, temperament, attitudes, and beliefs. It involves traits like confidence, sensitivity, competitiveness, optimism, and patience. It also includes their fears, likes, and dislikes, as well as their philosophical beliefs and so on.
  3. Social: Social characteristics refer to demographic details about the character such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, occupation, and level of education. Do they have children? Do they belong to any particular communities? Are they sociable and lovable, prefer solitude, or social outcasts? And with whom do they live?
• Writing Style: The writing style should be clear, concise, and engaging. It should be appropriate for the target age group, with an appropriate level of vocabulary, tone, and structure.
• Themes: The book should explore important themes that are relevant to young adults.
• Originality: The book should be original and innovative, bringing a fresh perspective to the young adult genre.
• Emotional Impact: The book should be emotionally impactful, eliciting strong feelings and responses from the reader.
• Relevance: The book should be relevant to the cultural and social circumstances of the time period of the story, and providing insight and commentary on contemporary issues.
• Accessibility: The book should be accessible to a wide audience, with a clear and concise writing style and engaging story that can be enjoyed by readers of different ages and backgrounds.
• The winning publisher of this category shall provide the UAEBBY with 150 copies of the book during Sharjah international Book Fair for archiving and promotion bearing the logo of the Award for non-profit use.
• The winning author of this category should provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book for non-profit use.

The Non-Fiction Category (up to 18)

Honouring Excellence in Fact-Based Children’s Literature

The Non-Fiction Category recognizes outstanding Arabic books that inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and present factual content in innovative, engaging, and age-appropriate ways. This category celebrates works that combine rigorous research with creative presentation, making knowledge accessible and exciting for young readers.

Eligible Submissions

We welcome submissions that creatively explore factual content in formats and themes such as:

• Informational books, including:
  • Science (e.g., space exploration, climate change, human anatomy)
  • History (e.g., civilizations, global events, true historical narratives)
  • Geography
  • Nature and Environment (e.g., wildlife, ecosystems, conservation)
  • Technology (e.g., coding, AI, inventions)
  • Social Issues (e.g., identity, diversity, human rights, environmental justice)
• Cultural and Heritage Books, focusing on traditions, customs, festivals, art, music, folklore, and societal values
• Narrative Non-Fiction, where true stories are presented using engaging literary techniques
• Social Awareness Titles, addressing topics such as diversity, inclusion, climate change, and mental health

Ineligible Submissions

Submissions in the following formats or genres are not eligible under this category:

• Biographies and autobiographies
• How-to guides and activity books (e.g., arts and crafts, experiments, skills development)
• Reference books (e.g., encyclopedias, atlases, dictionaries tailored for youth)
• Didactic textbooks, instructional manuals, or curriculum-based educational material
• Short story collections, poetry anthologies, and journalistic articles

Eligibility

• The entry should be targeting readers aged up to 18 years old.
• We do not require publishers to strictly limit the quantity of titles submitted. Publishers may submit as many books as they wish and are encouraged to do so. However, we urge publishers to use their best judgment and send only those titles that they believe are distinguished enough to warrant consideration.
• Content Quality and Accuracy– Entries must present factually accurate and well-researched content. It should demonstrate depth, scope, and reliability in its coverage of the subject. The content must be relevant and appropriate for the intended age group, and should encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and inquiry in young readers.
• Clarity & Accessibility – The language used should be age-appropriate, clear, and concise. Ideas must be logically structured with a coherent flow, and the text should employ engaging narrative or expository techniques that facilitate understanding and retention.
• Creativity & Presentation – We value originality in content delivery, including the use of storytelling techniques, visual structuring, or unique formats. Storytelling techniques may be integrated to enhance the delivery of factual material, making the reading experience both informative and captivating.
• Visual and Design Elements– Illustrations, photographs, infographics, or other visual aids must be of high quality and should meaningfully support the textual content. The overall design, layout, and typography should be visually appealing and enhance comprehension. Visual elements must align with the subject matter and be suitable for the intended age group.
• Cultural Value – The book should contribute meaningfully to the reader’s knowledge and promote cultural understanding. It must demonstrate sensitivity to diversity and inclusion, while aligning with contemporary developmental standards relevant to the book’s theme and readership.
• Didactic textbooks, instructional manuals, or curriculum-based educational material are not eligible. However, creative and engaging non-fiction books that explore educational or scientific topics in a narrative or visually rich format are welcome.
• Works published more than five years prior to the award's call for submissions are eligible for participation in this category.
• The winning publisher of this category shall provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book during Sharjah International Book Fair or archiving and promotion bearing the logo of the Award for non-profit use.
• The winning author and illustrator of this category shall each provide the UAEBBY with 100 copies of the book for non-profit use.