Myriad research has shown the impact and importance of being grounded in a mother tongue language. What does this look like in reality? What challenges do children face and how can we ease this path? Join a panel of experts as they discuss.

The School Librarian of the Year Award Ceremony celebrates excellence in school librarianship and the outstanding contributions of school library professionals across the UAE.

Enjoy a powerful exploration into the behaviour and motivation behind reading and dynamic ways to encourage children to read.

Think you know what books children really like? Let's hear from children's authors as they discuss the ideas behind crafting a book that children want to pick up, enjoy and keep reading.

You've heard from the adults, now let's hear what children really want from books! From fiction to non-fiction, fantasy to adventure, horses to football, children tell us what really keeps them turning the pages.

Day two begins with a keynote address by Dr Hanada Taha, Endowed Professor of Arabic Language and director of the Arabic Language Center for Research and Development at Zayed University.