Did you know that more than 85% of households in the UAE speak a language other than English at home, while English remains the primary medium of instruction in many schools? 
This unique blend of languages creates a beautiful, but sometimes challenging, environment for children growing up in the Emirates. For many families, the question isn't just “Which language should we focus on?” It’s more like: “How can we help our children feel confident in both Arabic and English, without losing touch with our roots or missing out on global opportunities?” 

That’s where bilingual books come in. Bilingual stories help bridge the gap between home and school, heritage and modernity, emotion and education. At Austin Macauley Publishers UAE, we believe in the power of stories that speak to children in both languages they hear every day. That’s why we’re proud to publish bilingual books that don’t just translate words, but carry cultural meaning, spark imagination, and connect generations. 

In this blog, we’ll help you learn the right language mix for your family and share some of our favourite Arabic-English book picks created with UAE families in mind. 

Why Bilingual Books Are a Game-Changer in the UAE 

Raising children in the UAE often means raising them in more than one language, whether it’s Arabic at home and English at school, or the other way around. 

That’s where bilingual books make a real difference. 

The Benefits Go Beyond Just Language 

Research shows that children who grow up reading in more than one language tend to develop stronger problem-solving skills, deeper empathy, and greater cultural awareness. Bilingualism isn’t just about learning two languages, it’s about thinking in more than one way. 

For Emirati families, bilingual books help preserve the richness of Arabic while still preparing children to thrive in a world where English dominates education, media, and careers. For expat families, these books can help children better understand and appreciate the culture they’re growing up in, right here in the UAE. 

🇦🇪 Unique to the UAE 

In a country where over 200 nationalities live side by side, stories that reflect this diversity are incredibly powerful. Bilingual books offer a way to celebrate that multicultural reality, while keeping children grounded in the values, language, and traditions of their roots. 

At Austin Macauley Publishers UAE, we offer many of our children’s books in both Arabic and English editions, so families can choose the language that suits their child's learning journey, or build a home library that does both. 

What Makes a Bilingual Book Truly Work? 

Not every translation counts as a good bilingual book. The most effective ones: 

• Use language that matches the child’s age and reading level 

• Feature context-rich illustrations that support understanding across languages 

• Are culturally relevant, with characters, settings, and values that children can see themselves in. 

Choosing the Right Language Mix - Arabic, English, or Both? 

In many UAE homes, parents wonder - Should we focus on Arabic, English, or both? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s how to make the choice easier. 

When Arabic Comes First 

Arabic builds cultural identity, connects children to their heritage, and supports Quranic understanding. It also strengthens school performance in Arabic-medium classes. 
Educator Tip: Start small, daily bedtime stories in Arabic help build comfort and fluency. 

Why English Still Matters 

With most schools in the UAE teaching in English, strong reading skills are essential for academic success and future opportunities. 
Parenting Tip: Choose books on topics your child already loves. This builds English skills naturally. 

The Best of Both Worlds 

Bilingual books let children explore stories in both languages, at their own pace. They support identity, curiosity, and balanced growth. At Austin Macauley Publishers UAE, we offer many titles in both Arabic and English, helping families build meaningful connections through stories, no matter the language. 

Our Top 6 Bilingual Book Picks for UAE Families 

Whether you're raising avid readers or just introducing your child to the joys of storytelling, bilingual books help create lasting connections between language, emotion, and imagination. We’ve handpicked six titles, available in both Arabic and English editions, that reflect the spirit, dreams, and values of families living in the UAE. 

1. 7 Days in Zanzibar by Mohammed Alqaseer 

Recommended Age Group: 13+ (Teens & Young Adults) 
Theme: Travel, Self-Discovery, Cultural Reflection 
Languages: Available in Arabic & English editions 
Why Parents & Kids Love It: 
This coming-of-age journey follows Salem, a Gulf youth, on an unexpected trip to Zanzibar where love, illusion, and self-awareness unfold. It’s more than a travel story. It's a transformative emotional experience that speaks to young readers searching for purpose and meaning. 

“Zanzibar will remain the shortest journey and the longest story in Salem’s life...and perhaps in yours too.” 

2. The Journey of a Feather by Janna Nashar 

Recommended Age Group: 5–9 years 
Theme: Nature, Curiosity, Early Learning 
Languages: Available in Arabic & English editions 
Why Parents & Kids Love It: 
What begins with a child finding a feather turns into a gentle story of wonder and learning. This simple narrative encourages observation and appreciation for the natural world, perfect for early readers developing vocabulary in either language. 

3. Foreseeing the Future is the UAE’s Basis by Bassem Addnan Al Otaiby 

Recommended Age Group: 14+ (Teens & Adults) 
Theme: Innovation, Leadership, Future Thinking 
Languages: Available in Arabic & English editions 
Why Parents & Kids Love It: 
An insightful look at how nations and individuals can shape their future. With real-world relevance to the UAE’s strategic vision, this book offers an educational boost for teens interested in business, economics, and innovation in a bilingual format. 

4. A Land Without War by Mohammed Alkaabi 

Recommended Age Group: 10+ 
Theme: Peace, Humanity, Fantasy 
Languages: Available in Arabic & English editions 
Why Parents & Kids Love It: 
A short yet powerful story that invites readers to imagine a world without conflict. Ideal for family reading and thoughtful classroom discussions, this book prompts reflection on human values and the possibility of peace in a language your child feels at home in. 

5. A Red Dragon’s Dreams by Nabil Elassi 

Recommended Age Group: 12+ 
Theme: Poetry, Hope, Human Connection 
Languages: Available in Arabic & English editions 
Why Parents & Kids Love It: 
From riddles to reflections, this poetry collection blends playful curiosity with deep emotions. It’s a beautiful resource for young bilingual readers who enjoy poetry that sparks imagination while exploring universal themes like love, justice, and inner peace. 

6. All the Colours of the Sky by Malak 

Recommended Age Group: 12+ 
Theme: Emotions, Life, Poetry 
Languages: Available in Arabic & English editions 
Why Parents & Kids Love It: 
This lyrical collection maps the emotional spectrum of human life, love, loss, joy, and solitude, through poetic imagery inspired by the sky. For families who want to explore emotions across languages, this is a stunning literary experience. 

Final Thoughts 

In a country as diverse as the UAE, growing up bilingual is a gift. Reading in both Arabic and English helps children connect with their culture, succeed in school, and see the world from different perspectives. Even small habits like reading a story in Arabic one day and in English the next can create powerful learning moments and family memories. 

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