School Librarians Honoured for Promoting Reading and Supporting Student Learning Across the UAE.
Dubai: School librarians from across the UAE have been honoured for their efforts to encourage reading and strengthen learning among students at the School Librarian of the Year Award 2026.
Organised by the Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF) in partnership with The Executive Council of Dubai, the awards ceremony was held at the Museum of the Future. Winners received their awards from Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, also attended the ceremony.
The annual award recognises school librarians working across public and private schools in the UAE, highlighting their contribution to student learning and the wider education sector.
Since its launch, the award has attracted around 1,000 nominations and honoured more than 60 school librarians for introducing innovative approaches to promoting reading and learning within their school communities.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai librarians recognised
This year’s awards honoured school librarians across four categories, with winners representing both public and private schools in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
In the School Librarian of the Year category, Salma Al Helali of Al Taqadom School in Abu Dhabi received the public schools award, while Desislava Kouzeva of Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills was recognised in the private schools category.
For Best Use of Resources, Ameera Al Humairi of Aljeel Aljadeed Kindergarten in Abu Dhabi was honoured among public schools, while Suman Batra of Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai received the private schools award.
In the Best in Innovation category, Muna AlWahshi of Shamma bint Mohammed Primary School in Abu Dhabi was recognised among public schools. Jericho Diano of Summit International School in Abu Dhabi received the award in the private schools category.
The Best in Community Involvement award went to Salma AlMansouri of Al Selaa School in Abu Dhabi among public schools, while Louise Macleod of GEMS International School in Dubai was recognised among private schools.
A growing community for school librarians
The ceremony also highlighted the progress of the Association of School Librarians, established by the Emirates Literature Foundation last year under the patronage of the Community Development Authority.
The association was created to support and strengthen the school librarian profession across the UAE. Membership is free and open to school librarians throughout the country, providing access to discussion forums, networking opportunities, workshops and professional training.
It also aims to advocate for school librarians and raise the profile of the profession, while providing members with opportunities to exchange practical ideas and develop best practices for encouraging reading and supporting student learning.
The association’s board includes senior representatives from across the UAE’s cultural, education, library and government sectors. These include the UAE Media Council, Emirates Literature Foundation, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Juma Al Majid Library, Zayed University, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, as well as schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
During the ceremony, association members were invited to meet the 2026 award winners and members of the board, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences, ideas and approaches to supporting reading in schools.
Celebrating the joy of reading
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation and a board member of the Association of School Librarians, said the winners had initially been announced virtually before the end of the school year, before gathering for an in-person celebration.
“On both occasions, we were reminded of just how close-knit and supportive this community is. School librarians continually share ideas, resources, and encouragement with one another, united by a common purpose, helping children discover the joy of reading,” Bolooki said.
“The Association of School Librarians builds on that spirit by giving this community a dedicated space to learn, exchange ideas, and grow together professionally.”
Young readers take centre stage
Students also played a prominent role in the ceremony, reflecting the importance of school libraries in developing a strong reading culture across the UAE.
Award-winning students Maryam Alshrafi and Reynah Singh Gahlaut shared letters about hope in Arabic and English, highlighting the role of young readers at the heart of the initiative.
The General Command of Dubai Civil Defence was also presented with a special award in recognition of its support for the Emirates Literature Foundation’s Reading Caravan.
Over the past three years, the Reading Caravan has facilitated around 100 engagements across all seven emirates, including author visits and interactive storytelling sessions.
Two of the caravan’s drivers, Ansar Mohammad Sharif and Shahnawaz Mohammad, were also recognised for their problem-solving abilities and kindness, which have contributed to the success of the programme’s engagements.
Championing a culture of reading
The ceremony also featured a keynote address by Gavin McCormack, co-founder of Upschool and Education Influence, who shared insights from the Reading for Pleasure movement.
The School Librarian of the Year Award took place on the opening day of the Reading for Pleasure Caravan Conference 2026.
The four-day conference brings together educators, librarians, policymakers, reading advocates, parents and students from across the UAE to exchange ideas and explore ways to strengthen reading and learning within communities.
The conference promotes an approach to reading that extends beyond academic performance, encouraging children and young people to develop a lasting enjoyment of books while building the skills and confidence associated with regular reading.
For schools across the UAE, the awards also highlight the broader role of school libraries. Beyond providing spaces for books and study, libraries can help foster curiosity, creativity and a sense of community, while encouraging students to develop a lifelong love of reading.
