Sharjah-based Arab Children’s Book Publishers Forum has announced a Dh1 million ($272,261) 'Etisalat Prize for Arab Children’s Literature' award aimed at supporting the publishing industry dedicated to Arab children’s literature.

Dar Al Hadaeq, a publishing house from Lebanon was adjudged the winner from among the shortlisted entries by an eminent jury for its book “Ana Oheb” (I Love). The book was written by Nabeeha Muheidli, while the illustrations were done by Nadine Saidani.

Announcing the winners on the opening day of Sharjah World Book Fair, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Forum consultant said, "This initiative of ours is to encourage publishers and authors of children’s books in Arabic to further improve their literary capabilities and raise the standards of the industry."

"As we join in celebrating the winning entry, we are confident that this prize will add immense value to the Arab children’s book publishing industry and help promote the reading habit among Arab children," Sheikha Bodour stated.

An elated Nabeeha Muheidli, the winning author, and manager of Dar Al Hadaeq, said: “We are honoured to win this noble prize. It will motivate us to publish more and even better books to further promote the reading habit among Arab children.”

The jury members include Dr. Mohammed Al Ghazi (Tunisia), head of the judging panel, a university professor and writer of children’s books; Amira Abu Al Majd (Egypt), publisher of children’s books; Mohammed Jamal Amro (Jordan), writer; Lujaina Al Asil (Syria), writer and Sarah Odedina, a British expert in children’s book publishing.

"One of our key objectives through this initiative is to encourage and support Arab children to present their own perspectives and point of view on numerous topics and issues facing society, as well as highlight their Arab culture and lifestyle," she added.

Abdul Aziz Taryam, general manager of Etisalat, Northern Emirates, said: "Etisalat is honoured to sponsor this prize and support this worthy initiative. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting educational and cultural activities of this nature, as we believe in the importance of such causes that promote reading habits of Arab children”.

Ehsan Al Suwaidi, general co-ordinator of the Etisalat Prize, emphasized that the aim of this prize was to help develop the Arab children’s book publishing industry, and the role it played in stimulating the imagination, intellect and creativity of a child, building character and promoting good values.

The forum is also hosting two seminars to increase awareness on the Arabic publishing industry for children, and also promote the winning entry.-TradeArabia News Service