About Event

Tolerance Enriches Learning

A unique knowledge festival in terms of its mission, activities and goals, embodying the fact that tolerance is knowledge, and that the values of tolerance represented in knowing others, dialogue and respect while accepting pluralism, diversity, peace and other human values that celebrate and promote coexistence, become possible through knowledge.

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Paint with Vern Brown

Students will have the opportunity to put their artistic skills to work and paint their own canvases with the guidance of Vern.
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Vern Brown

Painter & Mixed Media Artist

Citrus The Smoothie Sloth

Sloths should be sleepy….. but Citrus didn’t feel sleepy at all! He wanted his friends to love his homemade smoothies but they just wanted to keep on napping….
We are so excited that Life Smoothies will be joining Ebtisam’s session and children will experience tasting some very delicious smoothies! Citrus can’t wait for you to try ‘the fruitiest juiciest smoothies’ from the one and only Life Smoothies, so get ready!

Aisha's pearl

When Aisha tries to show her discovery to her family, they are all too busy to look….. until Grandfather sees it and realizes she has found a treasure. Two of the UAE’s best-loved literary and artistic talents are here to bring you a delightful event exploring the tradition of pearl diving with fun and entertainment guaranteed.
Maitha
Maitha Al Khayat

Writer & illustrator

Driven

Students will learn how to recycle discarded packaging into creative works of art using different modes of input including energy and technology

majda
Dr. Majeda Al Azaizah

Entrepreneur & Innovator

Naas - The Brainy Falcon

This story will stimulate children’s imaginative minds while also making them ponder over issues of bullying, dishonesty, greed, and disobedience in a subtle manner
abdulla
Abdulla Mahmood

Children's story author

Event Tour

November 8th
09.00 AM - 09.45 AM

Exploring Qasr Alhosn

Site Visit

Soar with the Green Sheikh

Panel discussion on how to use your strengths and skills to rise higher and achieve your goals

My Mother's Perfume

Sahar will read a short and interesting story to the students and share details and information about the main character

The Ceiling of Dreams

The Ceiling of Dreams, an interesting story that school students take in the ministerial Arabic language curriculum.

bad
Badriya Al Shamsi

Emirati storyteller
novelist and poet

Opening Ceremony

Sheikh Nahayan
HE Sheikh Nahayan

Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence

Keishia Thorpe
Keishia Thorpe

English Teacher

Fair play, Tolerance & Team Spirit

Meet Ismail Matar, your favorite Emirati footballer. He will be sharing his insights on what it takes to be a great athlete and how tolerance and team work plays a role.

Ismail Matar
Ismail Matar

Football Player

What does it mean to belong?

Students will enjoy an interactive reading session of a story told by Maryam with the participation of her younger sister Maha (The heroine of the story ‘What it means to belong’), then the author Maryam will sign copies of her story
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Maryam Alshehhi

Emirati artist, writer & Translator

Let's Get Creative

Students will learn how to recycle discarded packaging into creative works of art using different modes of input including energy and technology The workshop is preceded by an explanation of the importance of recycling and its benefits that can serve us in our daily lives The main outcomes of the session focus on single-use plastic thinking, recycling, and creativity.
Bush
Bushra Rami

Workshop Presenter

Meet Author Holly Webb

A rare opportunity to look into the enchanting world of Holly Webb, the creator of Rose and many mischievous animal adventures including Lost in the Snow.
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Holly Webb

A British children's writer

Power of Perception

This session aims to promote a culture of compassion towards oneself and others through the art of understanding basic perception and the role it plays in interpersonal communication.
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Sara Jones

Workshop Presenter

Secrets of the Mangroves

Storyteller Ahmed Al Shoaibi entertains with his new book, Secrets of the Mangroves, about a girl who gets lost kayaking in the Mangroves only to have the animals who live in that environmental ecosystem help guide her back to her family.
Dr.Ahmed Al Shoaibi
Dr.Ahmed Al Shoaibi

Author & Academic

History of Arabic Calligraphy

Fatima Yaseen ‘Jouri’ will present us with some of the most known Arabic calligraphy along with their history and origin. Students will then learn to write their own names using Arabic calligraphy

Event Tour

November 8th
12.45 - 01.30 PM

Exploring Qasr Alhosn

Site Visit

Creative Writing Course on

Dr. Wafaa will present an exceptional training course for literature enthusiasts, throughout the festival, during which she sheds light on transforming topics related to human values into a creative entity that achieves a positive impact on the reader, and addresses the intellectual and linguistic skills required in writing, and how to transform human value into A text based on an aesthetic structure and exquisite images that leaves a certain impression on the reader.
Dr. Wafaa Thabit Al-Muzghani
Dr. Wafaa Al-Muzghani

Certified Trainer

In Conversation with Toastmaster Winners

In Conversation with Toastmaster Winners: Mohammed Qahtani and Ramona Smith, The Power of Words.

Event 54

November 8th
06.00 PM - 07.00 PM

Emotional Intelligence

Maya will talk about the human self and how to confront it, which requires sincerity, determination and ambition. It also requires being away from despair and crowned with humility and hope and working to make constructive decisions based on emotional intelligence. Thus, satisfaction and happiness can be reached in human life.
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Maya Al Hawary

Blogger & Writer

Event 55

November 8th
06.00 PM - 07.00 PM

Make Your Own Slime!

Learn the Chemistry behind making your very own slime!

How to Start Youtube Channel

In this session students will explore types of content creation for Youtube – Find your voice and how to technically translate this into a channel ?

Meet Author Fatima

In this session, Fatima will be reading from her most popular books. Fatima is a wonderful storyteller who captivates audiences young and old.

Meet Author Andy Stanton

You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum has become a modern classic – pretty good at only 10 years old. But, as the winner of two Roald Dahl Funny Book Prizes, two Blue Peter Book Awards and the Red House Book Award, this was always something special. Celebrate Mr Gum with the author in an event that is likely to be as riotous as the book.
andy
Andy Stanton

Writer | Author

Letters from Another World

Two girls separated by the distances between the city of Dubai and the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, at a time when what the two friends Mahra and Rima called it “the thing kaff” They resorted to the most reliable means of communication between people whose means of meeting were broken in ancient times, and made written messages the main means of communication after exchanging the mailbox numbers of both of them in their first meeting. We will learn with Noura and Nadia a lot about these messages and more..

Event Tour

November 9th
09.00 AM - 09.45 AM

Exploring Qasr Alhosn

Site Visit

Emirates Nothing is Impossible

Giovanni will discuss how the United Arab Emirates represents an almost unique political, social and cultural reality in the Middle East and the world and how it is a crossroads of people, ideas, technologies and trade.
Giovanni
Prof.Giovanni Bozzetti

Entrepreneur & university professor

Meet Author, Mona Fleyfel

Mona Fleyfel will share with students an adventure story which will highlight interesting topics presented in a fun, highly engaging way.

She will also be sharing her passion for writing books and scenario scripts with the audience and will discuss the importance of reading and its role in developing individuals’ skills and in the advancement of society.

Mona s
Mona Fleyfel

Educator, author & education consultant

New Perspectives: Change the way you think

Anxiety is the most common issue in the world of mental health. This session Jason will be discussing the treatment and how to deal with anxiety issues in a completely diffrent light.
Jason R. Sullivan
Jason R. Sullivan

Speaker & Author

The Philosophy of Excellence

Let’s discuss what is the meaning of excellence and what are the characteristics of a distinguished person?  

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Dr. Abdullah Al Atton

Philosopher & Author.

Save Our World

In an interactive workshop that brings together Leona and Colette, the students will enjoy a reading and drawing session for the characters of the story of Environmental Heroes, a group of purposeful awareness stories that highlight the most important landmarks in the UAE.

Club des Arts

Colors and their blending and many details related to drawing that students learn through this workshop

Sondos
Sondos

Painter & Author

Bilingual Revolution

An interactive session in which Fabros organizes a challenge among students to emphasize the importance of learning languages and cultural diversity in achieving equality and integration between societies

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Prof.Fabrice Jaumont

Author & Educator

Puppet Theater

Shadow Theater is a friend of children in terms of its proximity to the world of cartoons, the world loved by children, and through it we can penetrate into their depths and be close to them.

na
Nairouz Tanbouli

Writer & illustrator

My Grandmother's Chest

In this session, Asma will be reading from her book, Grandmother’s Chest. What is in there and what treasures will we find? Grandmother has many surprises in store. Asma is a wonderful storyteller who captivates audiences young and old.

Hindrances to Self- Master

He is the headmaster of the Shaolin Temple, where he teaches kung fu martial arts and methods to develop unity of the body and mind

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Master Shi Heng Yi

Martial Arts Master

Be Inspired, Drive your ambition

I start my day every morning with good intentions like meditation and prayer. It gives me clarity and strength to live each day to the fullest. I express my gratitude, especially for another day alive, along with having the right mindset for success. Day after day, we live a life full of love and joy. With these ideas, Erica will address the students to lead a more inspiring and creative life.

Tolerance in Children

Join Jamal for this hilarious session and step into the world of the Moshagheb diaries.
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Jamal Al Shehhi

Publisher & Writer

I Speak Like a River, My Unique Accent

A conversation with Farah of her struggle with stuttering and how she is now helping others overcome the problem.
Farah Al Qaissieh
Farah Al Qaissieh

An award winning social entrepreneur, & a consulting hypnotist

The Others were Missing

Learn to work together and accept others’ differences. Tolerance leads to understanding, acceptance, success, happiness, and well-being through this fun sing-a-long session.

Meet Author Holly Webb

A rare opportunity to look into the enchanting world of Holly Webb, the creator of Rose and many mischievous animal adventures including Lost in the Snow.

Event Tour

November 9th
12.00 PM - 12.45 PM

Exploring Qasr Alhosn

Site Visit

Creative Writing Course on

Dr. Wafaa will present an exceptional training course for literature enthusiasts, throughout the festival, during which she sheds light on transforming topics related to human values into a creative entity that achieves a positive impact on the reader, and addresses the intellectual and linguistic skills required in writing, and how to transform human value into A text based on an aesthetic structure and exquisite images that leaves a certain impression on the reader.
Dr. Wafaa Thabit Al-Muzghani
Dr. Wafaa Al-Muzghani

Certified Trainer

Teaching Disorders

Have you ever thought about your beliefs? your thoughts?
your faith?
How old are they? Have you made any modifications or has
it remained the same since you have known it?
How does teaching and learning affect your thoughts, faith,
and ideas about life?

Dr. Samira Al Hosani
Dr. Samira Al Hosani

An expert in the field of Education, a writer, a school leader

Flourishing kindness

Have you ever found yourself talking or thinking unkindly about something, someone, or even yourself? Well, let me tell you, you are not alone. You can blossom into a kinder, more conscientious version of yourself if you frequently do good deeds Grandpa Hadid will take students through his one-week adventure with his four grandchildren Nayra, Adam, Millie and Ty, who have refined his senses toward the true meaning of kindness, tolerance, compassion and empathy. Discover the essence of using one’s heart, thoughts, and hands to make the world a kinder place.

Event 59

November 9th
05.00 PM - 06.00 PM

Celebrating Tolerance Poetry Night

The audience will be on a date to enjoy a mixture of Nabati poetry and eloquent poetry, accompanied by the poet Abdullah Al-Hediya, the poet Kaltham Abdullah, and the poet Najat Al Dhahery
Abdullah Al-Hediya
Abdullah Al Hediya

Poet

Kaltham Abdullah
Kaltham Abdullah

Poet

Saeed bin Tamishan Al Kaabi
Saeed bin Tamishan Al Kaabi

Poet

Untitled
Najat Al Dhahery

Poet

OSHA, THE FALCONER

This short documentary follows a mother and daughter as they travel through the desert hunting with falcons, the traditional Emirati method that has been passed down through the generations.

Let's Throw a Book Party

We will be planning and throwing our very own Book Party!

The Superhero

Naseeba Alozaibi will talk about her new book The Superhero. A hero who loses his superhero powers and abilities, and who tries to find a cure, but when no doctor in the city is able to cure him, he decides to leave the city and the people who love him. What will happen to him and will he get his superhero power back?

National Identity in Schools

In support of national efforts to enhance national identity, Sheikha presents a session for students on national identity and good citizenship, as a reflection of what the ministerial curricula offers to students through a series of stories and discussion dialogues between her and the students

Shikha Al Jabery
Shikha Al Jabery

Emirati journalist, poet & researcher

Event Tour

November 10th
09.00 AM - 09.45 AM

Exploring Qasr Alhosn

Site Visit

Green Space

The green space from which Maz begins her dialogue with students about optimism, hope and ambition, talking to them through her experience in life, which Maz conveyed through the green space.
maz
Maz Hakim

Writer & journalist

Soul of Coffee

From the nights of the Emirati desert and across its regions, and the smell of coffee that smells of cardamom and saffron, we move to a different cultures whose coffee beans tell us a lot. From here, we learn more about Japanese culture in the spirit of Emirati coffee.

Learn to Draw Japanese Manga

Japanese manga is known as one of the forms of Japanese art, and it includes all of the cartoons, comic books, and graphic novels, and is different from the stories of other cartoons or drawings. Students with Shaikha Al Blooshi will learn about manga more and more.

Pearl The Raindrop

This session will inspire children to connect with nature and learn about it through science topics such as the water cycle and natural disasters in a fun and engaging way.
Rana Boulos
Rana Boulos

Educator & Author.

Event Tour

November 10th
10.00 AM - 10.45 AM

Exploring Qasr Alhosn

Site Visit

Featuring Thinker

Intellectual symposium on Abu Dhabi reconciling the mind and wealth, this book by Al-Khayun, in which he talks about his idea and through his personal experience of living in this emirate, so that the audience knows the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in terms from which the reader finds special affection and love in a way that reflects this beautiful picture, which he drew, the book, “Abu Dhabi Reconciliation of the Mind and wealth”.
Racheed Al-Khayoun
Racheed Al-Khayoun

Writer & Lecturer

Prof. Fatima Al Sayegh
Prof. Fatima Al Sayegh

University Professor

Meet Author Fatima

In this session, Fatima will be reading from her most popular books. Fatima is a wonderful storyteller who captivates audiences young and old.

Enchanting yoga & Meditation

Use the power of imagination to dive into this aquatic adventure, through the wonder of visualization and breathing techniques. This enchanting do-along yoga session offers the perfect escape and is filled with tips for mindful living.

Quiet Chaos

Anxiety is the most common issue in the world of mental health. This session Jason will be  discussing the treatment and how to deal with anxiety issues in a completely diffrent light.

Jason R. Sullivan
Jason R. Sullivan

Speaker & Writer

Event Tour

November 10th
11.00 AM - 11.45 AM

Exploring Qasr Alhosn

Site Visit

Event 47

November 10th
11.15 AM - 12.00 PM

Mindfulness for Self Tolerance

Students will have the opportunity to learn Yoga poses and follow instructor flow.

The Little Ghaf Tree

Hanadi narrates in an interesting and simple way the adventures of the young Ghaf tree at different stages of its inception and growth, its formation of friendships with its neighbors and its adaptation to the difficult desert climate, as well as the prevailing traditions among the people of the UAE.
hanadi
Hanadi Al Fahim

Businesswoman & Author

Innovation in a Rapidly Changing World

Students will have the opportunity to mee Bader Ward, founder of Lamsa application. Badr will be sharing his insights on the ever changing world of technology, how to start your journey to success as well as walk students through the benefits of using the Lamsa Application.
Badr Ward
Badr Ward

Founder & CEO of Lamsa

Meet Author, Mona Fleyfel

Mona Fleyfel will share with students an adventure story which will highlight interesting topics presented in a fun, highly engaging way.

She will also be sharing her passion for writing books and scenario scripts with the audience and will discuss the importance of reading and its role in developing individuals’ skills and in the advancement of society.

Mona s
Mona Fleyfel

Educator, author & education consultant

Event 51

November 10th
12.00 PM - 12.45 PM

Make Your Own Slime!

Learn the Chemistry behind making your very own slime!

Creative Writing Course on

Dr. Wafaa will present an exceptional training course for literature enthusiasts, throughout the festival, during which she sheds light on transforming topics related to human values into a creative entity that achieves a positive impact on the reader, and addresses the intellectual and linguistic skills required in writing, and how to transform human value into A text based on an aesthetic structure and exquisite images that leaves a certain impression on the reader.
Dr. Wafaa Thabit Al-Muzghani
Dr. Wafaa Al-Muzghani

Certified Trainer

Event 61

November 10th
06.00 PM - 07.00 PM

Conversation with
Nobel Laureate
Wole Soyinka

Wole Soyinka
Wole Soyinka

Nobel laureate

A Conversation on Mental Health

Epidemiolocal organizations have consistently reported alarming upward trends in adolescent suicide, making it the second leading cause of death among adolescent populations. What can we do to prevent this epidemic from taking hold? What does the research recommend? The website she presents aims to provide answers to these questions by targeting the 4 different audience groups affected the most: adolescents, parents, Aresearchers and healthcare professionals
aseel1
Aseel Khalil

Student Researcher

Event 63

November 10th
05.00 PM - 06.00 PM

The who am I bird (Poetry Night )

Andorada Vijaya is an Indian poet, author of the Diwan of Poetry ‘The Bird is Me’. She has many books translated into Arabic.
Sabah Deby author and translator of children’s literature in conversation with Andorada and translating for us her poetic verses
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Anuradha Vijayakrishnan

Poet

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Sabah Deebi

Author & Translator

The Happiness Project

Session contains clear actionable strategies to boost your happiness as a lifestyle and keep it there over time. Strategies include the well-known gratitude letter and savouring, as well as lesser known strategies like satisficing, dealing with psychological adaptation, self-compassion, capitalization, giving, and taking a social media retreat.

Dr. Louise Lambert
Dr. Louise Lambert

Writer & Researcher

Event 65

November 10th
06.00 PM - 07.00 PM

Make Your Own Slime!

Learn the Chemistry behind making your very own slime!

Our Partners

Thank you for supporting us.

Target Audience: Teachers
10/11/2022
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Collaboration between the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Sandooq Al Watan

What will be presented in Eshraqat?

In this session we invite teachers to find out how students from high schools and cycle 3 schools (aged 13+) from all disciplines across the country will work individually and in teams to design an app prototype that promotes Tolerance through Technology.

Discover how this creative initiative requires no coding skills and how the competition provides real opportunities for students to publish an app on Apple’s app store, receive Swift code training and pro-level Apple certification. Additionally, uncover how the initiative provides free professional development for teachers from Apple Professional Learning Specialists and the opportunity for nationwide recognition at teacher and school level.

Public Speaking Competition
“ My Identity”
10/11/2022
05:00-06:30 PM
Sandooq Al Watan, is pleased to invite you to participate in the public speaking competition entitled “My Identity”

A short speech, expressing the concept of the Emirati National Identity, from the candidate’s point of view carrying in Its essence the meaning of patriotism, belonging and loyalty. 

How it will be presented in Eshraqat?

The candidates deliver their speech before the jury and audience, as a first evaluation.

Followed by a workshop that includes correction and guidance for the participants, filtering the numbers and announcing the names of the candidates for the next phase.

* For more details download the competition brochure
Wole Soyinka
Wole Soyinka Nobel Laureate
A Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist in the English language. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature, for "in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones fashionning the drama of existence. the first sub-Saharan African to be honoured in that category. Soyinka was born into a Yoruba family in Abeokuta. In 1954, he attended Government College in Ibadan, and subsequently University College Ibadan and the University of Leeds in England. After studying in Nigeria and the UK, he worked with the Royal Court Theatre in London. He went on to write plays that were produced in both countries, in theatres and on radio. He took an active role in Nigeria's political history and its campaign for independence from British colonial rule. In 1965, he seized the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service studio and broadcast a demand for the cancellation of the Western Nigeria Regional Elections. In 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War, he was arrested by the federal government of General Yakubu Gowon and put in solitary confinement for two years, for volunteering to be a non-government mediating actor
Maz Hakim
Maz Hakim Writer & Journalist
Maz Hakim is the daughter of Afghan parents who risked everything by fleeing the war and immigrating to Australia. Maz discovered her love of sharing stories through her nearly decade-long radio career. She expresses herself through various art forms, including the creation of her one-of-a-kind clothing range, jewellery design, and poetry. She is a long-time radio presenter on Dubai’s number 1 radio station.
Holly Webb
Holly Webb Writer
Holly Webb is a British children's writer. She studied Classics at Newnham College at Cambridge University, Byzantine and Medieval Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Art, and then worked as an editor until 2005. She lives outside Reading with her husband Jon and her three children, Ash, Robin and William.
Fatima Sharafeddine
Fatima Sharafeddine Writer, Editor, & Translator
Fatima Sharafeddine is a Lebanese writer, editor, and translator of children's and young adults' books. She holds an M.A. in Educational Theory and Practice (1993) and an M.A. in Modern Arabic literature (1996), both from Ohio State University. More than 120 books of Sharafeddine were published all over the world, and many of them were translated into more than 15 languages including English, Dutch, and Spanish. Sharafeddine has won several awards such as the Etisalat Children's Literature Award in 2017. She was, moreover, nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2010, 2011, 2016, and 2020.
andy
Andy Stanton Writer
Andy Joel Stanton is an English children's writer. He grew up in the London suburbs of Harrow and Pinner and attended the Latymer School in Hammersmith. He lives in North London. Stanton is best known for his 'Mr Gum' book series, by which he made a popular contribution to contemporary children's literature.
Racheed Al-Khayoun
Racheed Al-Khayoun Scholar, Cultural Editor of various Arab periodicals, Writer & Lecturer of Islamic philosophy
Dr. Rasheed Al Khayoun is an Iraqi scholar, cultural editor of various Arab periodicals, writer and lecturer of Islamic philosophy, religion, and history. He holds an MA and PHD in Islamic philosophy and was a teacher of Philosophy in Aden. He travels and lectures across the Arab region and is a voice on contemporary politics and culture. He pens a weekly column for the UAE daily Al-Ittihad in addition to articles in dozens of other newspapers and magazines. Dr. Rasheed is a researcher at Al Mesbar Studies & Research Centre in Dubai. He is also a researcher for the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh.
Maya Al Hawary
Maya Al Hawary Chairwoman of Board of Governors of Dubai Carmel School - Director of Planning from the UAE
She serves as Chairwoman of Board of Governors of Dubai Carmel School - Director of Planning from the United Arab Emirates. She was chosen as the “Ambassador of Knowledge” at the UAE Red Crescent, and in 2019 was selected among 50 influential accounts in social media. She works on developing the personal skills of employees of various government agencies in the United Arab Emirates.
Fabrice Jaumont
Prof. Fabrice Jaumont Author & Educator
Fabrice Jaumont is a French-born author and educator best known for his advocacy for dual-language bilingual education around the world. He is the author of several books translated in multiple languages. Fabrice Jaumont, nicknamed “Godfather of Language Immersion Programs" by The New York Times in 2014, has more than 25 years of experience in international education and multilingual programs development.
Mohammed Qahtani
Mohammed Qahtani Public speaker winner of the Toastmasters World Speech Championship
Mohammed Al-Qahtani: a public speaker winner of the Toastmasters World Speech Championship. He suffered from severe stuttering, but managed to overcome it by facing his fears, pushing his limits and performing on stage..
Ramona Smith
Ramona Smith Certified Public Speaking Coach, & Author
Ramona is a world champion speaker, certified public speaking coach, and author who has left a trail of inspiration across five continents. her energy, originality and influence entice individuals and audiences around the world
Ismail Matar
Ismail Matar Footballer
Ismail Matar Ibrahim Khamis Al Mukhaini Al Junaibi is an Emirati footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for UAE Pro League club Al Wahda.
Master Shi Heng Yi
Master Shi Heng Yi Self-Master
He is the headmaster of the Shaolin Temple, where he teaches kung fu martial arts and methods to develop unity of the body and mind
ver
Vern Brown Painter & Mixed Media Artist
Vern Brown is a versatile artist with a gift for capturing the spirit of life on canvas in a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil, pen and pencil, and charcoal. Vern developed a love for painting and drawing at a very young age. He continued to develop his skills by pursuing a graphic arts degree. Additionally, he studied with several renowned artists in the United State of America. He has won several awards during local art exhibitions in the UAE. Vern has been the featured artist at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and at the US Consulate in Dubai. He also teaches private lessons and offers group lessons in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Vern is looking forward to sharing his talent and skills with others.
eb
Ebtisam Al-Beiti Author
Ebtisam Al-Beiti is a published children’s author and early years professional who has had a passion for education. She is usually found in a noisy classroom or running operations as an experienced vice-principal. Writing a children’s book has always been on her bucket list, until it became a reality in March 2020. Can I Go Out Now? aims to teach children about current environmental and health issues in a fun, playful, and interactive way.
matha
Maitha Al Khayat Writer and illustrator, writing for children's TV shows
Maitha Al Khayat is a member of a new breed of superheroes. The mother of five is one of the UAE’s most prolific Emirati children’s illustrators and writers. In less than 10 years, Maitha has published more than 160 books, used in schools around the UAE.
Julia Johnson
Julia Johnson Author
As a child, Julia Johnson loved dressing up and making up stories! Her life has revolved around storytelling ever since! Her well-researched stories are widely acknowledged in the UAE for their local flavor and accuracy.
Dr. Majida Alazazi
Dr. Majida Alazazi Emirati Entrepreneur & Innovator
Dr. Majida Alazazi is the first Emirati in the Middle East with a Doctorate of Business (DBA) in Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing from UAE University. On the faith of the importance of this sector to support the economic diversity in the UAE and seeking her passion to be a pioneer of this sector, she opened a car factory as the first woman in the world to own such factory.
Abdullah Mahmoud
Abdulla Mahmood Children's story author
Abdulla Mahmood is a locally based author who lives in Dubai. He is passionate about storytelling and has written on a variety of subjects, but children’s tales remain his favorite. He believes every story should engage, entertain and educate children since stories contribute to every child’s growth.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi Advisor
HH Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi is the Environmental Advisor to the Ajman Government and CEO of Al-Ihsan Charitable Society. He holds a Ph.D. in ecosystems and cleaner production from Griffith University, Australia. HH is a sought-after speaker and one of the region’s most fascinating figures. His work has earnt him the nickname the “Green Sheikh”. HH is considered to be a change agent for environmental planning and long-term strategy on sustainability in the UAE. His published work includes Our Beautiful Environment, Private and Secret, The Spirit of Altruism, Fly with Me and Your Summit.
Sahar Naja Mahfouz
Sahar Naja Mahfouz Writer
Sahar Naja Mahfouz is a Lebanese writer. She studied at the American University of Beirut and lives in the United Arab Emirates. She has written a wide range of stories for young adults and children and has participated in many book fairs and literary festivals. Sahar is the founder of the UAE group, Her, for female writers and creatives established in 2013. To date, she has published more than 45 stories for children and young adults, the most recent of which are I'm No Longer Afraid and My Mother's Perfume.
Badriya Al Shamsi
Badriya Al Shamsi Storyteller
Badriya Al Shamsi is an Emirati storyteller, novelist and poet[1]. She has a bachelor’s degree in Information and computer science from Higher Colleges of Technology, and she is graduate of the media leadership program at Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.
Keishia Thorpe 1
Keishia Thorpe English Language Teacher Winner of the Global Teacher Prize 2021 United States of America
To prepare them for college, Keishia Thorpe teaches English to 12th-grade students who are English language learners at the International High School Langley Park, Bladensburg, Maryland, United States, a school where over 85% are Hispanic students and 95% identify as low-income. Keishia fled poverty and violence as a child from Jamaica, and encountered racism as a black immigrant in the US where she had come on a track and field scholarship. Keeping a growth mindset and focussed on her goal, she not only graduated at the top of her class, but in her spare time volunteered as tutor at a nearby inner-city school, having seen how black students were disproportionately underrepresented and their schools under-resourced. Struck by the U.S. having a growing diverse student population of 49.8% and a teaching force of 87% Caucasian, together with the inequity she saw students experience, led her to become a teacher.
Maryam Al Shehhi
Maryam Al Shehhi Emirati artist, writer & Translator
An Emirati performer, writer, editor, and translator studying Literature Creative Writing and Political Science at NYU Abu Dhabi- but mainly a human floating freely in words. The daughter of Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains, yet, having been born and raised in Abu Dhabi, I find myself existing in the land in between seas and mountains. Performed in plays, a musical reality show, and published a children’s book titled “what does it mean to belong”, I am passionate about the artistic and cultural scene, as I invest in everything that enables me to be myself; theatre, writing, and love.
bushr
Bushra Rami Workshop Presenter
Visual Artist she uses a range of digital and analog media to explore the aesthetics of online consumption and performance
Sara Jones
Sara Jones Head of Content Operations
Sara Jones has worked in the film industry for the best part of three decades. It has funded her studies and allowed her to pursue other projects of passion including mental health for teens. She currently lives in the UAE and works for Image Nation as the Head of Content Operations.
Dr.Ahmed Al Shoaibi
Dr.Ahmed Al Shoaibi Author and academic, founder of Al Rawy Publishing
Author and academic Ahmed Al Shoaibi founded Al Rawy Publishing to keep local culture alive and help build self-confidence in kids. Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi is currently a Professor of Chemical Engineering and the Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Services at Khalifa University.
Joury
Fatima (Jouri) Calligrapher
A Kufi calligrapher from UAE, Born in Dubai in 1975, used loved Arabic font since I was a kid. I start learning calligraphy in 2001 in Sharjah calligraphy center with a professional calligrapher, and I participate in a lot of calligraphy exhibitions and workshops inside and outside the country, I took courses in color theory and photography to improve and grow my knowledge skills in Arts.
Dr. Wafaa Thabit Al-Muzghani
Dr. Wafaa Al-Muzghani Certified Trainer
Certified Trainer in the Dubai International Writing Program, President of the International Council of Books for Young People (Tunis Branch)
Toaster
Toaster Productions
In 2014, Toaster started with the goal of delivering original local content to the world.Toaster, an Emirati-owned and managed company with a well-experienced Arabic team, brings ideas to life from concept development to perfect execution.
Noura Al-Khoori
Noura Al-Khoori Writer
Noura Al-Khoori is an environmentalist by education and a mother of four children. She couples writing for children with volunteer community work in the field of lactation (motherhood and early childhood) with La Leache League International. Noura aims to incorporate aspects of the natural environment and the local culture into her writings. She holds school readings and workshops, as well as book fair activities extensively throughout the UAE.
Nadia Al Najar
Nadia Al Najar Writer
Nadia Al Najjar is an Emirati writer who published five short stories including "The Speckled Tiger", "I Am Different"; and three novels including "Cities of Passion" which won the first place in the Emirates Award for Fiction in the Short Fiction category in 2015.
Giovanni
Prof. Giovanni Bozzetti Entrepreneur & University Professor
Entrepreneur and university professor, Giovanni Bozzetti is one of the leading Italian experts in internationalization processes towards the Middle East and author of master classes and publications on the subject.
Mona
Mona Fleyfel Educator, author & education consultant
Mona Fleyfel, MA in Education, Boston, U.S.A & BA in Education with a minor in Psychology, LAU, Beirut, Lebanon. She is an educator, children’s books author, a writer of academic books and scriptwriter for Arabic children shows. She recently worked with UNICEF as an educational consultant on a project for refugees. She has produced 30 scripts for Zayed University about learning the phonemes of the Arabic alphabets as a research consultant. She is well known for her engaging and interactive approach with children and has worked in dubbing various children shows. Fleyfel has written books with Pearson publishing company in Emirates and worked on its digital games and activities as well. Her passion drives her for writing more books and working on programs for the love of the Arabic language.
Jason R. Sullivan
Jason R. Sullivan Speaker & Writer
Jason Sullivan is a mental-health therapist at Kuwait Counseling Center, and the founder of Quiet Chaos. Jason is also a speaker and a writer. He has presented on student mental-health issues in a university environment at the MENASPA Conferences in Singapore and Kuwait, which is an international conference for student affairs professionals from the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
Dr. Abdullah Al Atton
Dr. Abdullah Al Atton Philosopher & Author
A Jordanian philosopher with a PhD in Philosophy from the United States of America, a thinker and researcher in metaphysics and normative sciences. His literary works are characterized by deep philosophical themes and texts, but presented in a simple way. Some of his literary works are as follows: book of reaction and the philosophy of excellence as well as the book of the soul
Collette Barr
Collette Barr Author
Colette is the Founder of Save Our World, which aims to highlight awareness of environmental issues and sustainable development goals through children’s books. She has written and self-published four titles in English and Arabic since October 2018 and has one more title in The Eco-heroes series launching in 2022.
Leona Collins
Leona Collins Artist
Leona Collins is the Creative Director of Save Our World and illustrator of The Eco-heroes books.
She holds a BA in Fashion Design and a Masters in Textile Design & CAD. Leona has lectured in Design & Textiles in the UK and Dubai.
Sondos
Sondos Painter & Children's Author
Sondos a French painter and children's author of Tunisian origin, who studied graphic art and writing in France
Nairouz Tanbouli
Nairouz Tanbouli Writer & illustrator
Nairouz Eltanbouli is an an Egyptian writer and illustrator, member of the Egyptian and Emirati Writers Union, born in Alexandria 1975, a graduate of the Faculty of Kindergarten in 1996 and residing in Abu Dhabi. I have 10 published works some for children and others for adults. Iam passionate about puppet making and character invention as well as story telling. Annually, I participate in many international exhibitions and events for reading in the United Arab Emirates and other theatrical events recently. My dream is to roam the countries of the world with my stories and dolls to make the children happy as well as to translate my stories in all languages.
Asmaa Kalban
Asmaa Kalban Author
Asma Kalban is an Emirati author who combines her love of nature with her dedication to preserving both the Arabic language and the Emirati culture.
Erica Christina
Erika Christina Author
She is a dreamer, working hard to pursue her dream of exploring the world , life has been a journey – a time of dazzling achievements and heartbreaking situations. She is a dreamer, working hard to pursue her dream of exploring the world, as for her: “Our thoughts are powerful and we are bigger than our dreams as it must always exceed our capacity to achieve them.” She has faced struggles mainly by herself, all the while on a search for self-discovery and happiness.
Jamal Al Shehhi
Jamal Al Shehhi Publisher & Writer
An Emirati publisher and writer, founder and general manager of Dar Kuttab Publishing 2010, Executive Director of the Arab Children's Program at Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, and Secretary General of the Emirates Award for Fiction. Al Shehhi established Kuttab Café (cultural café and bookshop) in 2012 at Uptown Mirdiff in Dubai. Uncle Sam & My Self was published, as well as a children's story series (The Dairy of Moshagheb), a weekly column in Al Etihad newspaper, and also in the Gulf News. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences and a Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse in the United States of America.
Farah Al Qaissieh
Farah Al Qaissieh Social entrepreneur
Farah Al Qaissieh is a mother of theee boys, an award winning social entrepreneur, and a consulting hypnotist. Farah launched Stutter UAE in 2013 to raise awareness around stuttering and support people who stutter through various workshops and events. Farah is one of the recipients of the Abu Dhabi Award for her positive impact in the community.
Gerald
Gerald Mercer Writer
Gerald Mercer holds a B.A.(Ed) and an M.Ed. (Learning Resources, Technology) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a retired school principal and school improvement specialist with a particular interest in the power of learning in programs whose foundations are rich in vibrant children’s literature. Gerald believes in providing appropriate, culturally sound resources for children. He has authored four and illustrated two children’s books and has co-authored a series of social studies textbooks for use in eastern Canadian elementary schools. Gerald is the father of three and a grandfather to three.
Dr. Samira Al Hosani
Dr. Samira Al Hosani Writer
Dr. Sameera Alhosani is an expert in the field of Education, a writer, a school leader, a co-lead inspector and a curriculum designer. Alhosani has endeavored to analyze educational systems in the modern world to enhance sustained learning.Alhosani has obtained her bachelor in English language and literature – UAEU, followed by her first master degree in education from Deakin University – Victoria, Australia – and her second Master degree in educational leadership from HCT – Abu Dhabi. While the third postgraduate degree is in school inspections and regulations from the UCL, which was the path to pursue her PhD – philosophy of education from UAEU. Dr. Alhosani has great passion in history and civilizations so she did more than five post graduate courses in Biblical studies. Her published articles in Alroeya Newspaper reflect cultural, historical and epistemological domains.
Yasmeen Hammad
Yasmeen Hammad Artist, Writer & illustrator
Artist, writer and illustrator. Along her journey, she has come to discover the abundant benefits of the passion she now shares with her children. It is in this spirit that Yasmine writes – to share, to inspire and motivate. A self-confessed learner, her future plans include starting a foundation to support the education of less fortunate children, keeping her daily gratitude journal brimming with appreciation and continuing her path of enlightenment..
osha
Osha The Falconer Osha Film
This short documentary follows a mother and daughter as they travel through the desert hunting with falcons, the traditional Emirati method that has been passed down through the generations.
Dr.Jennifer
Dr.Jennifer Camulli Author
Dr. Jennifer Camulli has over 30 years of experience in working with and advocating for people with disabilities. Her previous roles include Certified Accessibility Consultant, Certified Educational Therapist and Head of Inclusion.
Dr.Naseeba Alozaibi
Dr.Naseeba Alozaibi Writer
is an Emirati children’s and YA writer. Her book My Mother is a Gorilla and my Father is an Elephant won the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature in 2017 and her book Frown (تكشيرة) was shortlisted for the Etisalat Children’s Book of the Year (CBOY) category in 2013 and The Superhero in 2021.
Shikha Al Jabery
Sheikha Al Jabery Poet & Researcher
Sheikha Al Jabri, Emirati journalist, poet and researcher.
She is a media advisor at the Family Development Foundation, a writer in Al-Ittihad newspaper, and a member of the Emirates Writers Union
Fayza Al Mubaraki
Fayza Al Mubaraki Author
Fayza holds a master's degree in British and American literature and civilization and cultural sciences from the University of Tlemcen, Algeria. In 2014, after obtaining her master's degree, she was selected by the US Embassy to join the Fulbright Fellowship with the US Department of Education and Culture
Adnan Al Tunaiji
Adnan Al Tunaiji Author
Adnan is a software engineer. He holds a master's degree in computer science from Ibaraki University in Japan. Interested and passionate about Japanese culture, he was chosen by the Office of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the Emirati-Japanese Cultural Exchange Program.
Shaikha Al Blooshi
Shaikha Al Blooshi
Shaikha Al Blooshi is an Emirati self-taught artist based in Al Ain city. Formally known as a traditional artist who draws digitally as well traditional in two art styles: Anime and Cartoon.
Rana Boulos
Rana Boulos Educator & author
Multi-lingual educator and author, Rana Boulos, has dedicated a lifetime to educating people of all ages and all backgrounds. With her degrees in Education and Modern Languages from the esteemed McGill University in Montréal, Canada, she pursued several educational roles such as teaching English as a second language, teaching the fifth grade at an international school in the United Arab Emirates, and opening and acting as the Managing Director for Blooming Buds Nursery, before pursuing her current role as a children’s book author.
Zelmare Viljoen
Zelmare Viljoen Founder of Soul and Skin Wellness
Zelmaré Viljoen was born and raised in South Africa. She is the founder of Soul and Skin Wellness and the mother of two energetic girls and a stepson on the autism spectrum. Advocating physical and mental well-being for a living as a yoga therapist and meditation facilitator, she created this do-along story book to introduce the power of mindfulness to children and their caretakers. The techniques these yoga postures offer can relieve boredom, uplift moods and strengthen the bond between parent and child.
Badr Ward
Badr Ward Founder & CEO of Lamsa
Badr Ward instigated the Edtech industry for Children across the Middle East and North Africa. He is the founder and CEO of Lamsa, the leading Education technology platform for Children. Led by the latest in Early Childhood Development (ECD) research & Education Technology, Lamsa is the essential learning companion in every child's developmental years, laying the foundation for lifelong development and success, in the years that really matter. Through Lamsa, Ward focuses on Early Childhood Development, exposing children to 21st-century skills, consisting of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes, for a successful and happy life in an ever-changing world where technology advances and intercultural communications increase.
Hanadi
Hanadi Al Fahim An Emirati businesswoman and author
Hanadi Mohammed Al Fahim is an Emirati business women educated in London, England. She currently holds the title of Director of AlFahim Family Governance at Al Fahim Group, Abu Dhabi. She also holds a seat as Board Member in the Hospitality Management Board of Al Fahim Group.
aseel2
Aseel Khalil Student Researcher
A student researcher at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS University). With experience working in neurodevelopment and green chemistry labs which allow her to design and conduct experiments. Additionally, she has a passion for discussing the importance of incorporating peer- reviewed mental health into healthcare practice and policy.
Dr. Louise Lambert
Dr. Louise Lambert Psychologist Researcher & Author
Dr. Lambert holds a PhD in Psychology from Northcentral University, USA, and an MEd in Psychology from the University of Calgary, Canada. She also obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology, from Athabasca University/ Grande Prairie Regional College, Canada. Dr. Lambert’s research interests are in positive psychology and culture. She has published a range of papers in the field and is responsible for the creation of the Middle East’s first Journal of Positive Psychology.