5 unmissable reads by Emirati authors for World Book Day

With World Book Day fast approaching on April 23, Emirates Literature Foundation is celebrating the stories and voices that continue to shape the UAE’s vibrant literary landscape – at a particularly significant moment for the organisation.

The Foundation was recently named a winner at the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, in recognition of its outstanding role in developing the literary sector, strengthening the presence of Emirati culture both regionally and globally, supporting cross-culture dialogue, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a dynamic hub for literature and thought. This milestone underscores the very ethos behind this year’s World Book Day selection: championing homegrown voices and sharing them with the world.

Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation and Managing Director of ELF Publishing, commented: “At ELF Publishing, World Book Day isn’t just about dressing up as our favourite book characters — although we absolutely still do that. It’s really about celebrating the magic of stories and the way reading brings generations and nations together. Moments like these remind us why it’s so important to champion our local voices, especially in a region where storytelling is such a vital part of who we are. Now more than ever, it’s essential that we own our identity and take the lead in telling our stories to the world, in our own voices and on our own terms.”

To mark the occasion, ELF Publishing has curated a special World Book Day reading list that showcases the UAE’s Emirati creativity, identity, and evolving literary voices – reflecting the same commitment to cultural storytelling that earned the Foundation international recognition.

House to House — Shamma Al Bastaki

Genre: Poetry

A beautifully crafted collection that captures the memories, rhythms, and everyday life of Dubai Creek’s historic neighbourhoods. Through multilingual poems and oral‑history fragments, House to House preserves voices, stories, and moments from the 1940s–1980s, offering a lyrical portrait of a community in transition.

About the author: Shamma Al Bastaki is an Emirati poet and writer from Dubai, with work showcased internationally from Venice to Seoul.

Circle of Spice — Salha Obaid

Genre: Fiction

A sensory, character‑driven novel following Sherihan, a woman born into a family of spice traders who experiences the world through scent. As Dubai evolves around her, aromas become markers of memory, emotion, and identity.

About the author: A leading voice in contemporary Emirati literature, award-winning author Salha Obaid has seen her works translated into English, German and Italian.

Of Palm Trees and Skies — Dr Afra Atiq

Genre: Poetry

A heartfelt collection exploring heritage, belonging, and the emotional landscapes we inherit. Dr Afra Atiq blends English, Arabic, and French to create poems that are warm, reflective, and resonant.

About the author: Dr Afra Atiq is a celebrated Emirati poet and scholar known for her powerful stage presence and multilingual work.

Fly, Red, Fly! — Ebtisam Al‑Beiti

Genre: Children’s Book

A joyful, uplifting story about a young dragon named Red who dreams of learning to fly. With colourful illustrations and a gentle message about courage and self‑belief, this book is perfect for early readers and bedtime storytelling.

About the author: Ebitsam Al-Beiti is a talented Emirati children’s author and early-years educator passionate about creating meaningful, educational stories for young readers.

Rose’s Diaries — Reem Al Kamali

Genre: Historical Fiction

Set in 1960s Dubai, this novel follows Rūza, a young woman who secretly documents her thoughts, frustrations, and dreams in her private diaries. Through her eyes, readers experience a city on the cusp of transformation and a woman navigating tradition, ambition, and self‑expression.

About the author: Reem Al Kamali is an acclaimed Emirati novelist and the first Emirati author shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction.

This selection reflects the breadth of work being produced by Emirati authors across genres. As the Emirates Literature Foundation celebrates its recognition at the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, World Book Day offers a timely opportunity to discover the voices that carry UAE’s stories to readers around the world.

The Emirates Literature Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which supports and nurtures a love of literature in the United Arab Emirates and the region, through a programme of varied cultural initiatives. Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a love for literature, with a focus on the Arabic language.

In line with the National Reading Policy of the UAE, the Foundation has implemented several long-term projects including the First Chapter, the School Librarian of the Year Award, Kateb Maktub, and From the Inside Out, as well as conducting year-round student education programmes, book clubs and mentorship programmes.