Manasa Distribution Company and the UAE Book Council for Young People have inked a memorandum of understanding aimed at broadening access to the acclaimed titles honored by the Etisalat Children’s Book Award. The agreement, forged on the sidelines of the ongoing Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, allows Manasa Distribution to tap into the esteemed roster of award-winning books and explore collaborative ventures for their distribution, targeting a diverse audience of children and adolescents both within and beyond the United Arab Emirates.
Under the terms of the agreement, Manasa for Distribution will engage with publishers whose works have received accolades from the Etisalat Children’s Book Award since its inception in 2009. Discussions will revolve around forging partnerships and agreements to disseminate these lauded publications across various channels, including libraries, retail outlets, festivals, exhibitions, and events organized or participated in by the company. Special corners dedicated to promoting and selling these books will be established, with the overarching goal of facilitating accessibility for young readers, educators, and the wider public.
Marwa Al-Aqroubi, Chair of the UAE Book Council, hailed the agreement as a catalyst for amplifying the reach of the Etisalat Children’s Book Award and fostering wider circulation of the esteemed titles recognized in previous editions. By enhancing accessibility to these distinguished publications, the initiative aims to inspire a greater appetite for reading among children and adolescents, nurturing a deeper appreciation for quality content and fostering a lifelong love for literature.
Rashid Al-Kous, General Manager of Manasa Distribution Company, affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Emirati publishers and promoting Arabic content. Through strategic partnerships with award-winning publishers, Manasa seeks to facilitate greater dissemination of high-quality children’s literature, thereby enriching the literary landscape and enhancing access to diverse reading materials.
Established in November 2022, Manasa Distribution Company serves as a vital conduit for Emirati and Arab publishers seeking to expand their global footprint, while also providing international publishers with seamless access to the Arab publishing market. The company’s overarching mission is to promote a culture of reading, enriching the literary landscape and providing consumers of Arabic content with access to a diverse array of books.
The UAE Council on Books for Young People, an affiliate of the International Council on Books for Young People, plays a pivotal role in fostering a love for reading among children and advancing the children’s book industry both locally and internationally. Founded in 2010 under the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the council has been instrumental in promoting reading culture and nurturing a deeper connection between children and books.
The Etisalat Children’s Book Award, launched in 2009, has emerged as a cornerstone of the children’s book industry, garnering widespread acclaim and fostering creativity and innovation among authors and illustrators. Over the past 15 years, the award has made significant strides in elevating the quality of children’s literature in the Arab world, enriching the literary landscape and captivating readers of all ages.
