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.

Poetry (up to 18)

Children's and young adult's poetry is a form of literature that is written specifically for young readers. This type of poetry often uses simple language, rhyme, and rhythm to create an enjoyable and engaging experience for children and young adults.

Children's poetry can cover a wide range of themes, from nature and animals to friendship and family. It is a wonderful way to introduce children to language, stimulate their imagination, and encourage them to explore their own thoughts and feelings. Reading and writing children's poetry can help develop their vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and creativity, making it an important part of their education and development.

Young adult poetry, on the other hand, is aimed at older readers and often deals with more complex and mature themes, such as love, loss, and identity. It can be a powerful tool for self-expression and can help young adults navigate the challenges of young adulthood.

In line with this literary form, Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature introduced this special category for 2023 and 2024 dedicated to Poetry.