Dubai: The first phase of the Dubai International Programme for Writing (DIPW) will kick off its first phase with a workshop on creative writing in September.

The workshop will be under the supervision of Lebanese novelist Najwa Barakat, who will offer creative writing tips to selected candidates in the field of novel writing.

The DIPW, which was launched by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF), is aimed at encouraging young Emirati and Arab writers.

The five-year programme, which was announced, last year, has three phases.

The first phase aims to help 100 young Emirati writers learn enhanced writing skills, while the second phase will engage young Arab authors who currently reside in the UAE. The third phase will target authors from across the wider Arab region.

The MBRF is an organisation that seeks to spread knowledge and support literary initiatives in the Arab world.

In the first stage of the selection process for the workshop, a selection committee will choose six to 10 candidates. Entry of the candidates to the DIPW training programme will be based on their final evaluation by Najwa.

The MBRF recently organised an orientation session under the DIPW for 15 candidates in the field of novel writing. The session included discussions on the programme in general, the conditions for participation and the selection mechanism.

Jamal Bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said: “The launch of the Dubai International Programme for Writing is a major step in the efforts of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation to empower young Emirati and Arab talents by supporting them in the field of writing and helping them publish their works. The programme also reflects our commitment and consistent efforts to promote the dissemination of knowledge in the Arab societies.”

He added that the foundation will form partnerships with leading literary figures and local experts to train the DIPW candidates. Each programme will be between six and 10 months long.

After the completion of the training period, MBRF will print the books associated with the programme. It will also oversee the editing, artwork and design of book covers, following which a certified company will undertake distribution of the work.

Those wishing to participate in the DIPW can send their biography and sample of their writing or research to dipw@mbrf.ae.