TL;DR:
- Eleven-year-old
AlDhabi AlMheiri has launched anAI academy for children and holds multipleGuinness World Records. - She earned the title of youngest female to publish a bilingual book at just seven years and 360 days.
- Her entrepreneurial and publishing ventures, Rainbow Chimney and Books from Children to Children, have published over 50 works by young writers.
At just 11 years old, AlDhabi AlMheiri, a trailblazing Emirati child prodigy and Guinness World Record holder, has taken another bold step in reshaping children’s education by launching a dedicated AI academy for kids in the UAE. Already celebrated for founding her own publishing house and becoming the world’s youngest bilingual author, AlDhabi’s new initiative aims to introduce children, especially those under the age of 12, to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, coding, and creative tech skills. Her academy is built on an inclusive model, combining early STEM education with storytelling, and is designed to be accessible to all children, including those with learning differences. This move marks a significant shift in the way AI education is being localized for the younger generation in the region, and it continues her mission to empower children not just as learners, but as creators and changemakers.
Who is AlDhabi AlMheiri? A profile in youth leadership
Born on 13 July 2014 in Al Ain and educated at Al Ain Academy, AlDhabi began reading at age three and writing by four and a half. She is the founder of Rainbow Chimney Bookstore and Publishing House, by age seven becoming the youngest female ever to publish a bilingual book, in English and Arabic.Her debut title, I Had an Idea, achieved Guinness World Record status at precisely seven years and 360 days old, meeting the strict requirement of independently writing without assistance and selling at least 1,000 copies within two days of launch. She continued her literary journey by publishing Here Was the Beginning, earning a second Guinness World Record as the youngest author of a bilingual book series. To date, she has overseen publication of over 53 books by children, under initiatives like “Books from Children to Children” that promote storytelling among peers globally. AlDhabi also serves as the world’s youngest newspaper columnist, writing for Aletihad in both Arabic and English at age 10 years and 99 days. Her commentary tackles nuanced social issues, from financial literacy and education inclusion to the impact of AI, earning praise at the Global Media Congress.In addition to her writing and publishing milestones, the 11-year-old Emirati has an impressive set of academic credentials, including 163 hours of IBM-certified AI training, attended executive education programmes at NYU Abu Dhabi, and has earned a fellowship at Georgetown University’s entrepreneurship programme in collaboration with the Atlantic Council and the U.S. Mission to the UAE.Altogether, she holds four Guinness World Records that highlight her early achievements in writing and media:
- Youngest female to publish a bilingual book
- Youngest author of a bilingual book series
- Youngest newspaper columnist
- Youngest magazine columnist
From books to bots: The AI academy for kids
AlDhabi AlMheiri, a four-time Guinness World Record holder and Emirati prodigy has launched the AI Learning Academy for Kids, offering 20 video-based modules for children aged 7 to 13. These lessons cover AI fundamentals, ethics, machine vs human intelligence, prompt engineering, and even entrepreneurship. Each module includes printable worksheets and hands-on activities to reinforce learning through play and practical experience.The platform also features a Girls in AI workshop to address the gender gap in tech in the MENA region. Lessons are delivered in simple, relatable language, in both Arabic and English, and prioritize child data protection, parental consent, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The entire curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence, empowering young learners to become tech creators, not just consumers.
Awards, recognitions and impact
AlDhabi AlMheiri’s outstanding achievements have earned her global recognition across multiple domains. She holds four Guinness World Records, including as the youngest female publisher of a bilingual book, creator of a bilingual book series, and the youngest columnist both in a newspaper and a magazine. In 2024, at just 10, she became the first Emirati recipient of the Diana Award, celebrated for her impactful humanitarian work, literacy initiatives, and advocacy at COP28 for environmental awareness and children’s education. Her accolades include the Women of Worth Award presented by L’Oréal Paris for public speaking and storytelling activism, and the Emirati Women Achiever Award from StartAD for her business leadership and brand-building efforts. She was also named one of Entrepreneur Middle East’s Top 50 Visionary Women in recognition of her founding of Rainbow Chimney, a pioneering inclusive bookstore and publishing platform for children, with over 53 titles published across more than 13 countries. At COP28, UNICEF named her a “Net Zero Hero”, acknowledging her climate-focused activism and Eco Club initiative that engages children in sustainability practices. She also earned a place among Future Minds (USA) “Top 25 Under 25”, underlining her leadership among global youth change-makers. AlDhabi is a graduate of the prestigious WiN Fellowship at Georgetown University, a joint program by the Atlantic Council and the U.S. Mission to the UAE. She is also a signatory to the SDG Publishers Compact, reinforcing her commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive educational content
Why this matters
- Youth potential unlocked: AlDhabi’s achievements underscore the power of fostering creative expression and innovation from early childhood.
- Tech access for all ages: By opening an AI academy aimed at kids, she challenges traditional norms about age and technological engagement.
- Inclusion and sustainability focus: From publishing for children of determination to promoting climate awareness, her work champions both ethics and inspiration.
AlDhabi AlMheiri is more than just a young achiever; she represents a growing wave of youth-led innovation emerging from the UAE. Her journey from publishing books at a record-breaking age to launching an AI academy for children demonstrates how passion, purpose, and the right support can redefine age barriers. As the world increasingly turns to artificial intelligence and digital literacy, AlDhabi’s initiative not only equips children with future-ready skills but also fosters creativity, curiosity, and inclusivity. Her story is a powerful reminder that when nurtured, young minds can lead conversations about the future, not just participate in them. As she continues to inspire both policymakers and peers, AlDhabi’s impact is poised to go far beyond the borders of the UAE.
