Honoring the most innovative librarians!

Empowering Minds, Celebrating Librarians: Shaping UAE’s Future of Literacy.

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Emirates Literature Foundation honored the nation’s most innovative librarians with the School Librarians of the Year Award 2025, with winners receiving their awards from HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum in a ceremony at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. This year’s 106 nominations – a milestone number representing all seven Emirates – included 26 public school and 80 private school candidates, highlighting the sustained recognition of librarians’ vital role in shaping young minds. The Ceremony also marked the official launch of the Association of School Librarians under the Community Development Authority, a landmark initiative to support the community of professionals and share and establish best practices across UAE school librarians. “Supporting school librarians is a strategic investment in our nation’s intellectual and cultural development. As Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation, I am proud to see initiatives like the School Librarian of the Year Awards and the Reading for Pleasure Conference shaping a generation that values knowledge, creativity, and community. These educators are essential to building a future rooted in literacy and lifelong learning.” His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation’s board of trustees, said.

2025 Award Winners:

SLOY AWARD: Public: Azza Mohamed, Qatr Alnada School, Abu Dhabi; Private: Marina Koniotou, Amity International School, AbuDhabi.

Best Use of Resources: Public: Moza Al Hassani, Atekah Bint Zaid School – Cycle 1, Sharjah; Private: Mathilde Serhan Dupont, Lyceè Fraçais International de Dubaï (AFLEC), Dubai.

Best in Innovation: Public: Aisha Al Ahbabi, Al Qemma School, Abu Dhabi; Private: Louise MacLeod, GEMS International School, Dubai. Best in Community Involvement: