In a landmark event celebrating educational excellence, the Emirates Literature Foundation honoured the UAE’s most exceptional school librarians during the School Librarian of the Year Award 2025 ceremony. Held at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who personally presented the awards.
A record 106 librarians were nominated from schools across all seven Emirates—26 from public schools and 80 from private—underscoring the pivotal role school librarians play in nurturing the intellectual and emotional development of young learners. The awards aim to spotlight the innovative ways librarians are turning traditional libraries into dynamic, future-ready learning spaces.
The ceremony also marked the official launch of the Association of School Librarians under the Community Development Authority. This new platform will support professional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the establishment of best practices within the UAE’s education system.
Leadership Voices Praise Librarian Impact
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation’s Board of Trustees, praised the initiative, stating:
“Supporting school librarians is a strategic investment in the intellectual and cultural development of our nation. These educators are essential to building a future rooted in literacy and lifelong learning.”
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, added:
“Today’s winners represent the leaders of educational transformation. They’ve reimagined libraries as learning hubs—blending education, technology, and community. This year’s ceremony, part of the Reading for Pleasure Conference, deepens the national dialogue on reading and ensures transformative efforts become the norm, not the exception.”
The event was attended by top officials including HE Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; HE Dr. Amir Ahmad Sharif; and Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, along with representatives from the Ministry of Education and principals from leading public and private schools.
2025 School Librarian Award Winners
School Librarian of the Year (SLOY)
- Public School: Azza Mohamed – Qatr Alnada School, Abu Dhabi
- Private School: Marina Koniotou – Amity International School, Abu Dhabi
Best Use of Resources
- Public: Moza Al Hassani – Atekah Bint Zaid School – Cycle 1, Sharjah
- Private: Mathilde Serhan Dupont – Lycée Français International de Dubaï (AFLEC), Dubai
Best in Innovation
- Public: Aisha Al Ahbabi – AlQemma School, Abu Dhabi
- Private: Louise MacLeod – GEMS International School, Dubai
Best in Community Involvement
- Public: Kholoud Al Kaabi – Al Ataa School, Abu Dhabi
- Private: Lakmee Senadheera – Al Ain British Academy, Abu Dhabi
A Platform for National Literacy Advocacy
This year’s awards were part of the second Reading for Pleasure Conference, which brought together educators, policymakers, authors, and literacy advocates. The conference promotes evidence-based strategies for embedding a love of reading within the education system and reinforces the vital role school libraries play in student development.
Launched in 2017 in partnership with The Executive Council of Dubai, the School Librarian of the Year Award honours librarians who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to enhancing literacy and academic standards across the UAE. Over the past nine years, the initiative has built a supportive and innovative community of educational professionals, shaping the future of learning through the power of reading.