Emirati author Maitha Abdulwahab Al Khayat is on a mission. The 35-year-old Emirati author and illustrator is dedicating herself to promoting Arabic children’s fiction, inspiring young readers, and winning hearts. Meet Maitha…
“I’m quite a handful and it’s hard to pin me down cuz I’m as busy as a humming bird. I didn’t say ‘bee’ because bees sting, and I don’t. People tell me that I’m lively, funny and have a charming sense of humour. I enjoy helping people, and I’m kind of like a cheerleader when I see anyone with a hobby. I would like to add that I’m very ambitious; I’m a bossy mum and a very proud Emirati, Arab and Muslim woman who loves, and promotes her culture.
“ I got my creative side from my mum all along. She’s very artistic and I definitely got that from her. But my interest in books started when I was eight studying in the UK, while my dad was working on his Phd at Exeter University. I was sent to the library to improve my English. (Hint: A library isn’t a place you get bullied in – bullies hang out in the playground). The library was a sanctuary to me; a place where I was able to let my imagination run wild without restrictions, and where I immersed myself in the adventures of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and pretended I was Sleeping Beauty waiting for prince charming to save me with a kiss.
“When I was a 15, I remember keeping a journal, in which I wrote many romantic stories and dreamed to be a romance fiction writer. But I forgot all about that when I went to college and started studying business. I forgot about my creative side for a time, but funny enough one of my business projects was to open up a book cafe. Who knows? I might do that one day. Fast forward to 15 years later, and now as a full time mother I have discovered that bookshops – especially the ones I like going to – didn’t sell good quality Arabic picture books! My bookshelf at home was getting crowded with English picture books, whereas the Arabic corner had only a couple of them. It was kind of sad. Then one day, my sister who used to hate to find me with my nose stuck in a book (she liked to play with Barbie dolls), dared me to write a story. She asked me, “after all these years of reading and reading and reading, and nothing has come out of you till now!” That was a wake up call. I asked myself, “is there no one out there who will write decent Arabic picture books for our Emirati children?” Then I rolled up my sleeves and start cooking: I put on my business hat, wore my creative apron and waved my wand. Voila!
“I’m very proud of my books, because each one of them just came out on its own. For example, “I Love My Dad’s Long Beard” was inspired by how much my children just adored their daddy’s long beard. As for “My Own Special Way,” I was hoping that it would be my passport to becoming an international author. It won an award in Children’s Forum in Al Riyadh in 2012, and was shortlisted for the Marsh Award 2013 best books in translation 2013. “My Own Special Way” focuses on the how a young girl can’t seem to decide how to wear her hijab. Does she copy her four sisters? Or find her own way in the end?
“I’m also happy with two more of my books that have been released this year “When A Camel Craves Logaimat,” and the funniest and most daring of my books, “The Runaway Louse” which delighted children, but had parents cringing at seeing a louse as the protagonist of a children’s book!
“I was an Ambassador of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) for a couple of years, but have now have been promoted to Board Member. My role, with the other members, is to promote positive change in children’s literature, raise awareness and encourage love and respect for the reading, writing and illustrating children’s books. UAEBBY is a wonderful hub for children’s picture book enthusiasts, offering them a wide range of workshops to improve their skills and knowledge, and to apply them almost immediately.
“I would like to give more to my country by writing and promoting great books for our society and nations around the world. I would love to see my books translated in other languages. And I do hope that I will have managed to open up my book cafe one day, so that kids can come and enjoy book readings, while their parents lounge comfortably in the knowledge that their kids are learning while having a blast.
“I say to aspiring authors don’t be afraid of your ambitions, and don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it. Believe in yourself, and yes, it really is better late than never. It took me 30 years to discover who I am and what I can do. I didn’t have anyone then to encourage me. If you don’t, I’m here. And I’m easy to find.”
SNAPSHOT
Education: Higher Diploma in Business Administration
(and currently studying towards a Bachelor’s in Business Administration)
Hobbies: Reading, drawing, writing, cooking, exercising
Interests: Movies, travelling, knitting, book fairs, meeting people
Family: Married with four children (one girl and three boys)
Residence: Ras Al Khaimah
Twitter: @MaithaALkhayat
