Dubai, UAE, April 22, 2026 – In celebration of World Book Day, the Emirates Literature Foundation is highlighting the stories that define the UAE’s literary landscape. This milestone comes as the Foundation celebrates its recent victory at the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in the “Publishing and Technology” category—a recognition of its pivotal role in promoting Emirati culture globally and cementing the nation’s status as a vibrant hub for literature and thought.
Amplifying Local Voices
This achievement embodies the vision of “ELF Publishing” for the year, which focuses on spotlighting local talent and sharing their creative works with readers worldwide. Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, and Managing Director of ELF Publishing, stated: “World Book Day is a space to celebrate the value of stories and the power of reading to build bridges between nations. Today, we need to tell our stories to the world with confidence and in our own authentic voice, within an environment where storytelling is a core pillar of our identity.”
To mark this occasion, ELF Publishing has unveiled a curated reading list that underscores the richness and diversity of the Emirati literary scene, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to producing globally recognized cultural content.
A Curated Selection: Five Must-Read Emirati Works
“From House to House” by Shamma Al Bastaki (Poetry Collection): More than just poetry, this literary and visual project documents the oral history of residents in the Khor, Al Fahidi, Shindagha, and Bur Dubai areas between the 1940s and 1980s. Written in a blend of Arabic and English, it reflects the multiculturalism that has characterized Dubai since antiquity.
“Spice Circle” by Salha Obaid (Novel): Salha Obaid weaves a sensory narrative where scent is at the heart of the story. Her protagonist, Sherihan, discovers the world and its people through the fragrance of spices—an element deeply rooted in her family’s history and trade. As Dubai embarks on its journey of urban development, these scents become keys to memory and mirrors reflecting the complexities of identity and human emotion. Salha Obaid is a unique voice in contemporary Emirati literature; her works have been translated into multiple languages and have received prestigious literary acclaim.
“Of Palm Trees and the Sky” by Dr. Afra Atiq (Poetry Collection): A collection that interrogates concepts of heritage and belonging, delving into the emotional layers inherited across generations. With a mastery of Arabic, English, and French, Dr. Afra presents resonant texts that touch the soul with their profound human warmth. Dr. Afra Atiq is an Emirati poet and scholar known for her stage presence and her unique ability to adapt languages to serve the poem.
“Fly, Little Red, Fly!” by Ibtisam Al-Baiti (Children’s Literature): A story overflowing with optimism, featuring a little dragon named “Red” who never stops dreaming of flight. Through vibrant illustrations that capture children’s imaginations, the book offers a gentle lesson in courage and self-confidence, making it an ideal companion for quiet reading nights. Ibtisam Al-Baiti is an educator and author dedicated to crafting inspiring educational stories that enrich the minds of young readers and foster their values.
“Rose’s Diaries” by Reem Al Kamali (Novel): Reem Al Kamali takes us to 1960s Dubai to read the secret thoughts and ambitions documented by “Rose” in her diaries. Through this poignant feminine lens, we explore the features of a city on the cusp of historical transformation and the struggle of a young woman caught between tradition and a longing for the freedom of self-expression. Reem Al Kamali is an Emirati novelist who has carved her name in the Arab literary scene as the first Emirati woman to reach the longlist of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF).