United Arab Emirates - Children's Books

The UAE is an awesome place to visit with family with incredible sights and many activities.

Do you know of any other children’s books featuring the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Please feel free to note it in a comment below! 

Children's Books about Stories in the United Arab Emirates

The Pearl Diver: Saeed is going to learn how to dive – his father has promised to teach him! It is the start of the pearling season and this is his first trip out on the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Leaving the rest of his family behind on the shore, Saeed and his father join the crew of a pearling dhow and set out to spend the hot summer months on the high seas. He learns how the pearl divers hunt for the treasures of the seabed, and discovers the secrets and dangers of the sea.  This delightful story, carefully researched from oral and written sources – some dating from more than 150 years ago – offers an insight into the way of life that sustained the Arabian Gulf right up until the discovery of oil. The winning charm of Patricia Al Fakhri’s watercolors combine with Julia Johnson’s narrative to make The Pearl Diver a perennial favorite with children aged 8 to 12.

Saluki: Hound of the Bedouin: A captivating story of a Bedouin boy Hamad and his Saluki hound Sougha ("the gifted one") recounts their mutual devotion and the adventures they share on Hamad's journey to adulthood. Saluki, Hound of the Bedouin, is, as always, thoroughly researched, and accurately and sensitively illustrated by Susan Keeble. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 will delight in this tale of life in the desert - a life of hunting and herding, of hardship and its rewards, of the hazards of death and of the bond between man and beast. All lovers of the Saluki will take pleasure in this tribute to a noble breed, offered here to a new generation.

Saif and Shaheen: A Tale of Persistence: Saif Al Keenbli is a young Bedouin boy living in northern emirate of Ras al Khaimah. As a young boy who misses his father, Saif is relegated to the daily chores of caring for his mother's small herd of camels and selling their meager date crop. Despite the repressive circumstances and stifling heat Saif has found a way to build a better life for himself and his mother through an unlikely companion!

My Little World: These stories have been written by the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed and are based on his early life experiences. The stories aim to convey to young readers that ‘great dreams have no limits.’ They have been written for children aged between six and nine with the aim to encourage reading. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is recognized by leaders and citizens across the globe as a visionary, an exemplary political figure, a sportsman par excellence and impressive public personality.

Two Great Leaders: Two Great Leaders narrates the fascinating story of the UAEs founding President, Sheikh Zayed and his late father, Sheikh Rashid and how they envisioned a country where children's dreams can, and do, come true.

The Falcon Who Found His Wings: The Falcon Who Found His Wings follows the daring young hero, Shaheen, on his adventures to become the Champion Falcon. Despite the obstacles Shaheen faces – his small size, his wounded wing and challenges from other falcons – he refuses to give up hope. It is a heart-warming journey of a small bird with big dreams and the courage to follow them. 

Mira's Curly Hair: Mira doesn't like her hair. It curls at the front. It curls at the back. It curls everywhere! She wants it to be straight and smooth, just like her Mama's. But then something unpredictable happens . . . and Mira will never look at her mama's hair the same way again! A delightful celebration of natural hair and the courage it takes to be yourself. Author Maryam Al Serkal is an Emirati writer who is passionate about storytelling. She lives in Dubai with her husband and two children who inspire her stories. This is her first picture book. Rebeca Luciani is an Argentinan illustrator, now living in Spain. Her books have won the Premi Serra d'Or prize, the A orianos prize for Best Book of the Year, and the Junceda prize.

Zayoodi goes to the parade: Great storybook about the adventures of Zayoodi discovering about his heritage and traditions. Today we will celebrate the founding of my country. I want to go to the parade and wave my flag but i lost it. Can you help me find it?

Zayoodi goes to the desert: Salam, my name is Zayoodi, I am four years old and I am Emirati. During my adventures I learn about my heritage and my traditions. Explore the UAE with me! Today my sister and I are going to the desert. My grandparents have a farm there with three camels. Would you like to come and meet my favorite camel?

I Spy a Desert: Join Shaikha as she discovers animals and plants while camping with her family in the UAE. Full of rhymes and beautiful illustrations, this charming book will inspire children to appreciate nature and wildlife.

Count With Me: Perfect for familiarizing toddlers and younger children with aspects of the UAE culture, using simpler formats like counting and rhyming books with an Emirati angle by author Shama Khan and illustrated by Latifa Ahli.

The Turtle Secret: The Turtle Secret tells the story of a ten-year-old Arab girl, Hessa, and her mission to save the turtles. When Hessa rescues a turtle in the market, she takes it straight to her uncle, a marine biologist. She finds herself captivated by these incredible sea creatures and their precarious way of life. But with a sister about to get married and a father still grieving after her mother's death, Hessa finds that no one at home has time for her and her passion for turtles. 

The Boy Who Knew the Mountains: In this charming tale, a young boy living alone in the mountains rescues a girl who is lost. Upon returning to her village, they are greeted by cheering family and friends. Ultimately, the characters in this story gain an understanding and acceptance of the boy who knew the mountains. The creators of this storybook are both Australian women, but writer Michele Ziolkowski knows UAE heritage well, not only from her work as an archaeologist but through her husband and his family, who are Emirati. Inspired by the challenges faced by her autistic son and her mother-in-law’s tales about life in Fujairah before the oil boom, the story follows 11-year-old Suhail who is shunned by his community because of his special abilities, and is set in the real-life village of Al Hayl. The narrative is imaginatively rendered by illustrator Susanna Billson who aimed to depict the mountains of Fujairah in all their rugged beauty.

Catch of the Day: On Hamad’s first fishing trip with his father, he learns more than just fishing during the long wait to catch his first fish. Not only does he learn first-about patience and perseverance, more importantly, he discovers the history of fishing in the UAE and its importance as a way of life and source of income for his ancestors.

The Camel and The Drone: Hamad is one of the few students in school who does not own the new popular drone toys and therefore he feels isolated. To make matters worse, children in the school start bullying him when they find out that he owns a pet camel. Hamad finally stands up to his bully by challenging him to an epic race between his camel and his bully's drone to determine once and for all who the winner is.

Kameel's Little Secret: Kameel is a bit different from the other camels at the market and they are not nice to him. When the merchant notices how badly the others treat the little calf, he leads Kameel out into the desert to make new friends, leaving him with a big blue jacket to help hide his secret. One day, while out playing with Sammy the snake, Mimi the mouse and Haris the horse, Kameel's little secret is accidentally revealed and he learns a very important lesson. Written by Emirati author Hassan Al Marashi, this classic, vividly illustrated children’s story follows Kameel the camel – who was being teased by the other camels at the market - on his journey to the desert, where he makes new friends and learns an important lesson.

Folktales from the Arabian Peninsula: A unique compilation of stories, Folktales from the Arabian Peninsula includes tales from seven countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Coauthored by a renowned folklorist and a professor of education who recalls some of these poignant tales from her own childhood, the book opens with a discussion of the Arabian Peninsula that introduces each country and discusses its terrain, peoples, and current situation to provide important background information. The engaging stories that follow will serve elementary, junior high, and high school librarians as well as public librarians, professional storytellers, and folklorists. The tales themselves―many of which have never been published in English language children's collections―are appropriate for readers grades five and up.

Children's Books about the United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates (Cultures of the World): From its stark deserts to the glittering city of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (sometimes known simply as UAE) is shown to readers in fascinating detail through this engaging and informative guide. Chapters focused on this small Arabian nation’s history, economy, and environment supplement curriculum concepts, and others present the country’s arts, festivals, and foods―with simple and delicious recipes to enhance the reading experience. 

United Arab Emirates (Exploring Countries): The United Arab Emirates is a country of achievements. The world's largest skyscraper, busiest international airport, and most robust set of manmade islands make the UAE a popular travel and business destination. Beyond such feats, ethnic diversity abounds in the UAE, with citizens of Asian, Indian, Iranian, Arab, and Western descent. Learn why so many have come to call the United Arab Emirates home in this fascinating read for curious students.

United Arab Emirates (A True Book): A basic overview of the history, geography, culture and people of the United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates (All Around the World): In this book, readers will learn about the unique and defining features of the United Arab Emirates. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the key details of the country, including geography, climate, culture, and resources. Compelling questions encourage further inquiry. Includes reading tips for teachers and parents, a map, quick facts, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.

Madelynn The CEO - Let’s Go to the United Arab Emirates: You are invited on a trip around the world with Madelynn The CEO from Washington, DC. Each book will provide a new and exciting adventure. You will also obtian a lession in foreign language, currency, and culture. Learn the landmarks and places you must see in each location. 

A Historical Atlas of the United Arab Emirates: This beautifully illustrated historical atlas explains the geography of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is an infant country compared to the long history of the region. Through the use of historic and new maps, students will discover that the ancient history of the UAE is found largely in the evolution of the Arabian Peninsula and the rise of Islam.

United Arab Emirates (Modern Middle East Nations and Their Strategic Place in the World): Discusses the geography, history, economy, government, religion, people, foreign relations, and major cities of the United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates Coloring Book For Kids: With Interesting Facts: This coloring book is designed for children who want to learn about the wonderful country that is the United Arab Emirates! This unique coloring book includes over 30 high-quality pages designed to entertain and engage, providing hours of coloring fun.  Each page contains an interesting fact about The UAE which will help your child learn about the country, culture, food, language and people. 

Children's Books about Dubai

Ali's Amazing Adventures in Dubai: Ali, a young Arabian foal embarks on an epic adventure to find his mother after discovering he's been stranded in the desert. Along the way he makes a number of friends who set out to help him. They discover the vibrant and colourful city of Dubai and find themselves on an incredible journey. Join Ali and his friends on this amazing adventure.

Let's Explore Dubai With Isabella: Isabella and her mother travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, learning  about the language and culture on the way. Isabella is a happy and energetic 2nd grade homeschool  student in the sunny Florida. She loves doing gymnastics, watching television, making different lip glosses, spending  time with her family and of course traveling the world!

Daniel of the Desert: After overhearing his parent’s plan to move to Dubai, a little British boy named Daniel becomes nervous at the thought of leaving his home and family. Naive and with misconceptions of Dubai - a city built in the desert- Daniel’s concerns are soon forgotten once he starts school and strikes up a friendship with an Emirati boy named Hamad. Through this friendship, Daniel learns about the diversity and tolerance of the people in Dubai, and that you can often find friends when you least expect it! 

The Key to Dubai: The Key to Dubai was compiled and written by talented expat author Liliane van der Hoeven. Beautifully illustrated and brilliantly researched, this interesting children's book uncovers Dubai's past and present with interesting facts and attention-grabbing pictures. A fascinating read for youngsters who have just moved to the city or are keen to find out more about the country's culture; there is a lesson on every page. The nature and culture of Dubai is brought to life with entertaining details, lively descriptions and absorbing images. The Key to Dubai is the perfect gift for children, parents or teachers living or leaving this fascinating city.

Pengouins: The Bedouins Penguins: A family of 4 little penguins live in the wonderful city of Dubai. They meet the Bedouins of Liwa and fall in love with their culture, clothes and dates! So the penguins decide to surge through the desert from Dubai to Liwa on a very exciting adventure.

Matti and Massi Missions: Dubai: Matti and Massi touch down in the United Arab Emirates and are handed their Mission Bag and Mission Checklist. Guided by their local Mission Coach Maryam, they must perform six tasks before their flight takes off for home.  How will they cross Dubai Creek? Will they be able to reach the top of the Burj al Arab? Who are Zayed and Latifa? Join Matti and Massi on their journey through Dubai and help them collect evidence before time runs out.

The Dancing Snakes of Dubai: The Dancing Snakes of Dubai have fun in their own ways!

Come with Us Dubai: Come with Us is a series that chronicles the real-life travels of Simon and Cheryl Card. In this adventure, the Cards head to to Dubai to explore some of the newest and amazing attractions in the world, including Burj Khalifa, the Gold Souk and Ski Dubai.

Kids On Earth: A Children's Documentary Series Exploring Global Cultures & The Natural World: DUBAI: Vihaan and Zara are so excited to give you a taste of the food they eat, the language they speak, and the religion they follow! They might even show you a sneak peek of their history too. Put on your sun hat and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Dubai.

Discover Dubai with Hani & Aleem: Aleem, a wise falcon, takes his friend Hani, a fun-loving camel from the desert, on a tour of Dubai to see its famous sites. At each location, Hani's surprised by a mouse and his fear of mice causes him to get into trouble everywhere they go, but Aleem doesn't believe there's a mouse and blames the accidents on Hani's clumsiness.

Let's Discover Dubai: Join the fun-loving zoo animals as they discover exactly what treasures the city has to offer. Filled with a blend of popular landmarks like Dubai fountains with some more hidden, underground gems like the art scene in Al Quoz, this story celebrates Dubai's unique culture and diversity. It encourages children to be curious, playful and observant and is written in a catchy, poetic prose with vibrant and detailed illustrations.

Expi Elephant Travels to... Dubai: Expi Elephant gifts her mum an amazing trip, join in their fun adventure to Dubai.

Explore Dubai (Great Cities of the World): A lively introduction to the cosmopolitan desert city, home to the tallest building in the world. Each chapter features attention-grabbing photos, colorful details, and fascinating facts. Sidebars go beyond the basics, and prompts invite readers to think for themselves. Includes a timeline of major events, a page of Fun Facts, and maps showing Dubai's location in its country and the world.

Dubai-UAE Kids Explorer Guide: A Desert Story, Treasure Hunt, Activity Book & More!: Discover the secret of the tallest building in the world, and how people, plants and animals survive and thrive in one of the harshest places on Earth! Teenage desert expert and falconer Reem and world explorer Ibn Battuta lead kids on a fun adventure through the traditional culture and unique landscapes of Dubai and the UAE. Kids will experience the wonders of the Arabian desert with a fun comic adventure story and a treasure hunt to discover Dubai and the UAE beyond the malls, skyscrapers and fancy cars. Other activities introduce kids to the traditional Emirati culture that many people miss.

Burj Khalifa (Virtual Field Trip): Towering high above the ground, the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest structure in the world. It is so tall that it can be seen from as far as 60 miles (97 kilometers) away.

Engineering Burj Khalifa (Building by Design): Burj Khalifa, an enormous skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, became the world's tallest building upon its completion in 2009. Engineering Burj Khalifa discusses why the designers aimed so high, the innovative construction methods used by the builders, and how the tower's occupants are kept safe and comfortable. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. 

Palm Islands (Pogo: Engineering Marvels): In Palm Islands, early fluent readers explore the mechanics behind this exciting engineering marvel. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they learn about these man-made islands.

Palm Islands (Structural Wonders of the World): The Palm Islands are transforming the coast off Dubai. Two of the three islands are being developed to look like palm trees when viewed from the air. Find out more in Palm Islands, a title in the Structural Wonders of the World series.

Children's Books about Travel to Abu Dhabi

Ava's Adventures Abroad: Abu Dhabi: When a little girl named Ava goes on a treasure hunting adventure, she discovers something more wonderful than the flying carpets and magic lamps she initially wanted to find! Join Ava and her camel guide Mike as they visit the many sites of Abu Dhabi and find truly amazing riches.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Houses of Faith): Explores the history of the most important mosque in the United Arab Emirates, including the man responsible for its construction, the many different parts of the large mosque, and environmental issues facing the mosque.

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