Dubai International Programme for Writing launched

Dubai: A new programme launched by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation will train 100 young Emirati writers with the aim of increasing the number of literary publications by UAE authors.

The launch of the Dubai International Programme for Writing was announced yesterday during a press conference by Jamal Khalfan Bin Huwaireb, managing director of the foundation, and Jamal Al Shehi. founder and executive Director of Kuttab Publishing House.

The five-year programme will consist of three phases. In the first phase 100 young Emiratis will be included, in the second phase Arab writers living in the UAE will be include and in the third Arab authors residing in the Arab region.

The foundation will provide training in the form of workshops for the authors participating in the programme and will publish and promote their literary work in the international market.

“Literary work coming from the Arab world and the Gulf is very low, and literary work coming from the UAE is even lower. We hope that the programme will help us increase the number of literary works coming from the UAE specifically and the Arab World,” said Bin Huwaireb.

He said 20 authors have already been selected to take part in the programme that is held under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Chairman of the Foundation.

“We are looking to train raw talent. Many writers have are every talented, however they need to improve their style of writing to suit publication. In cooperation with UAE-based publishing houses, training will be provided to these talents in order to help them get their work published.”

The programme will seek support from local publishing houses to have the literary as well as scientific material of authors who are part of the programme published.

Al Shehi commented on the launch adding: “The programme will encourage intellectual and literary creativity among Emirati youth and elevate their writing skills through workshops and training.”

Bin Huwaireb said those interested in taking part in the programme can directly contact the foundation.