Four-year-old from UAE publishes book, sets Guinness record

Dubai: A four-year-old boy from the UAE has published a book and set a Guinness World Record.

Saeed Rashed AlMheiri from Abu Dhabi at four years and 218 days is the world's youngest person to publish a book. His older sister AlDhabi (8) is the inspiration for the book. "I love my sister so much, and I enjoy playing with her all the time. We read, write, draw, and do so many other activities together. I wrote my book [inspired by her] as I felt that I could have my own book too," he said.

According to Guinness World Records, the record was verified on March 9, 2023, after he sold over 1,000 copies of his children's book The Elephant Saeed and the Bear. "It is a story about kindness and an unexpected friendship between the two animals."

Speaking about his book, he said: "It is about the elephant Saeed and a polar bear. The elephant had a picnic and he saw a polar bear. He thought the bear was going to eat him but, in the end, the elephant showed kindness and said, 'let's have a picnic together'! Then they became friends and showed kindness to each other."

According to Khaleej Times, AlDhabi is her brother's biggest supporter and mentor. She also holds the record for being the youngest person to publish a bilingual book series (female). She is also one of the youngest entrepreneurs in UAE and runs the local publishing house Rainbow Chimney Educational Aids.