Sahar Naja Mahfouz

Beirut-born and educated at the American University of Beirut, Sahar Naja Mahfouz has made the UAE her home for many years. As a mother of three, she is dedicated to her mission of "writing for personality development." She brings stories to life in Arabic, celebrating the language's beauty, expressiveness, and flexibility. Her works span both published and unpublished stories for children and youth, and she contributes as a writer for Iftah Ya Simsim, the Arabic version of Sesame Street. An active participant in literature festivals, she leads workshops in schools and colleges, has worked as a Content Manager for Pearson Education's Arabic Curriculum, and is the founder and coordinator of HUNNA, a UAE-based group of female writers established in 2013.

Born in 1993 and based in Gaza City, Baraa Awoor is a talented freelance children's book illustrator and designer, creating artwork for publishers across the Arab world and beyond. Recognized as one of the leading young illustrators of her generation, she brings versatility to her work, capturing everything from children's perspectives on reality to the warmth of family bonds and the healing power of imagination. Her illustrations offer a space for young readers to explore dreams, process emotions, and find comfort in friendly characters. Honored with numerous awards, including a notable prize at the 2023 Sharjah Reading Festival, she also led workshops for emerging artists in Amman, Jordan, in October 2023.