Emirati girl, 10, who wins Diana Award, has published 53 books

Dubai: In a shining moment, Al Dhabi Al Mheiri has become the youngest Emirati to receive the prestigious Diana Award for fostering a culture of reading among the younger generation.

At just 10 years old, Al Dhabi wears many hats, including being the youngest Emirati entrepreneur, publisher, and Guinness World Record holder.

The Diana Award, established in memory of Princess Diana, recognises young individuals aged nine-25, who have made significant contributions to society in various fields. Al Dhabi has been honoured with the award for her exceptional efforts through the Books from Children to Children initiative, which she runs under Rainbow Chimney, a company she founded with her mother Mouza Aldarmaki.

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To date, Al Dhabi has published 53 children’s books, including those catering to people of determination.

“My project aims to empower children by amplifying their voices through storytelling and enabling them to publish their own books. It offers a peaceful space for children to express their emotions, explore their talents, and inspire others. Through this initiative, we nurture creativity, learning, and self-expression, which shape their personal growth and future development,” said Al Dhabi, who resides in Abu Dhabi.

Currently, a student at Al Ain British Academy, Al Dhabi supports blind children with aids such as braille and has published specialised books for children with autism and Down syndrome.

“I am committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone,” she said.

7,000 books

A voracious reader from a young age, Al Dhabi began reading at just three years old and claims to have read as many as 7,000 books to date. She is currently immersed in Little Women, a famous novel by Louisa May Alcott.

In October, Al Dhabi earned the Guinness World Record as the youngest female newspaper columnist as well.

Earlier, Al Dhabi set two records as the youngest female to publish both a bilingual book and a book series.

“The first record was set when she was seven, and the second came a year later. As an Emirati talent, she is not only influencing the community but also inspiring her siblings,” Mouza added.

Al Dhabi’s younger brother, Saeed, holds the record as the youngest person to publish a book, while her sister, Al Maha, is the youngest female author in the world.

“This year, the trio was featured in the official Guinness World Records book,” Al Maha noted proudly.