Hello

My name is Maitha Alali, professionally known as Maitha Al Khayat.  Born in an ambulance in the middle of the desert in 1978, I’m a mother of five children and come from the United Arab Emirates.  I roam around spreading the love of stories to children around the globe.  I've always wanted to become a superhero, and here I am in my cape (abaya) and mask spreading joy and hope through my books.  

I graduated in Bachelor’s of Business administration in 2015 from the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE. I worked a few years in the same college, but I got married in 2001 and decided to stay at home and focus on my children. This allowed me to tap into my favourite all time hobby which was reading picture books, hence inspiring me to become the first Emirati children’s author and illustrator.  

 
In 12 years, I published more than 175 books; some translated into English and Turkish, and used in curriculums at schools  nationally.  “My Own Special Way” was awarded best book in the Children’s Forum, Riyadh (2011), and nominated for best translated book at the Marsh Awards, UK (2013). “Turn Off the Lights” was also awarded for best picture book at the Publisher’s Forum, Sharjah (2016).  

I wrote for the relaunched Arabic version of Sesame Street and the Emirati cartoon series “Hamdoon”.   During the COVID pandemic 2020, I was able to help illustrate Wadeema Children’s Law book, the first Emirati picture book that addresses children's rights in the UAE.  It is available as an e-book for free via Dubai Courts website - also receiving an award for Most Innovative Community Services project at UAE Innovates award 2023.  

 

My latest project is writing the “Pearl Diver’s Daughter” a dance performance by American Company E, which is a traditional story infused with contemporary American dance.