UAE-based authors share how bilingual storytelling brings Arabic language, heritage and a sense of belonging to life
Children growing up in the UAE often navigate more than one language, more than one culture and, for many families, more than one idea of “home.”
Together, We Became the UAE, a new bilingual picture book from The Majlis Academy, offers an accessible and meaningful way for parents to help their children understand the country they live in — its heritage, its values, and the spirit of unity that shapes childhood here.
Written by Victoria Hopkin and Mufida Al Digeil, the story is written in Arabic and English in a warm, early-years-friendly format.
It forms part of a wider Majlis Academy collection created to support cultural understanding in early childhood, not only for Emirati families but also for the hundreds of nationalities raising children in the UAE.
As Victoria explains, she wanted to create “stories where children feel rooted, seen and connected to the place they call home,” especially for families navigating more than one language.
Supporting bilingualism and shared values in the UAE
Victoria’s motivation for the book began at home. Her children adored reading, but transitioning from English picture books to fully Arabic texts felt intimidating and overwhelming.
She recognised the need for something in between — a bilingual pathway that could build confidence in both languages without pressure.
When Arabic and English sit comfortably together on the page, she says, families learning side-by-side feel more empowered and connected.
Mufida brings a deeply personal lens to the project. Having grown up in the UAE with Kenyan and Yemeni heritage, she understands how essential it is for young children to see their lived environment reflected authentically in stories.
“Children flourish when stories reflect their world with accuracy, warmth and truth,” she explains, which is why every detail in the book, from clothing and cultural motifs to colours and landscapes, is intentionally researched.
Together, their experience across early years education, linguistics, culture and curriculum development shaped a story that introduces young readers to the UAE with simplicity, emotional resonance and joy.
Celebrating unity and heritage
The book gently brings the meaning behind the UAE’s Union story to life. Through familiar characters and child-friendly storytelling, it introduces concepts such as unity, heritage, family and togetherness.
Young children immediately recognise symbols woven into the pages: ghaf trees, national colours, traditional clothing and the idea of the seven Emirates coming together as one.
This aligns closely with UAE Social Studies and Moral Education standards, supporting early learners in developing identity, belonging and shared values in a developmentally appropriate way.
As the authors often share in their school workshops, big concepts only become meaningful “when they are rooted in story”.
A tool for classrooms — and for families at home
Although Together, We Became the UAE is used in schools, it is just as valuable for families at home.
Parents can use the book to start natural conversations about belonging, help children revisit Arabic vocabulary during daily routines, or connect what they observe around them with the cultural ideas introduced in the story.
Mufida describes stories as “bridges between languages, between cultures and between home and school,” and this book is designed to be exactly that.
Grab your copy today at the nearest Bookworm Dubai branch or visit Majlis Academy’s website or Instagram.
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