With just his first book, A Practical Guide to Business Writing, Khalid Al Maskari struck a chord with his readers and went on to win the "Best Emirati Book of the year 2011" at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Al Maskari spoke to Weekend Review about writing, success and reward.
You wrote ‘A Practical Guide to Business Writing' with fresh business graduates in mind — to help them communicate accurately. What has been the feedback from this category of readers?
In fact, I have received appreciative responses from many readers. Dr Connie (van Horne), assistant professor in the College of Business Sciences at Zayed University, said this to me: "I have never found a book that I would recommend to people wanting to improve their English. The books I used were too technical or out of date or were just not very helpful. I should be using the past perfect [tense] … I had never found a book, but now I have." I'm so proud of such a recognition.
Your first book has made you an authentic reference for business writing. How does it feel?
Well, the taste of success is definitely matchless and on top of that, I think it is a good thing for a UAE product to be available globally. We are usually known for importing things, but this book was created locally — from the design to the printing — and now it is being exported to the rest of the world. People in America, Canada, Australia — all over the world — are able to get a completely UAE-made product. This book is proving to be a hit in the business world and looks set to put the UAE on the publishing map.
How did you come up with the material?
I was the head of human resources and training in the oil and gas industry and I noticed that many employees were struggling to write effective messages. I realised that there was space for a book that teaches a unique system for business writing aimed at all nationalities. Here, in the UAE, for example, most people speak English, so my book makes it easy for any person to communicate effectively within the workplace in a business context. I cover the writing style needed for business rather than focus on grammar.
Did you consult somebody regarding the contents of the book?
I consulted Dr Clarence Emslie, a senior English-language teacher, who encouraged me to write this book and I appreciated his input and feedback during the process of writing. Also, Michael Doherty, director of Professional Communication Services, in the UK, gave valuable feedback and recommendations, and last but not least, Ali Mohammad Al Maskari, head of academic studies at Adnoc Technical Institute, contributed tremendously during the writing. He even encouraged me to pursue this kind of profession.
What have you gained from the writing experience?
Well, the writing has undoubtedly given me valuable knowledge and experience, and introduced me as a writer to a heterogeneous readership. I can call it an interesting experience that has paved the way to bring the best out of me.
Did you face any difficulties during the process of writing and publishing the book?
I did. During the two years from the conception to the realisation, I encountered several difficulties, including being given an ultimatum over publishing — either to publish it myself or find a sponsor who would fund the project. While this may have put others off, I was even more determined to pursue my goal. I spent my own money and built my own contacts. I cared a lot about getting the book out there. It has been worth it, now that I can see it on the shelves and online.
You won an award for the book at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Were you anticipating it?
It was a wonderful surprise that my first book was awarded the "Best Emirati Book of the year 2011" at the Sharjah International Book Fair. My book is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It is written by an Arab for the Arabs and for others whose first language is not English. This book is the simplest out of the 50 books and could be a gift to any employee who wants to improve his or her writing skills.
Do you plan to write another book?
Actually I do intend to write a practical guide to CV writing. In fact, that's equally important these days.
Whom do you dedicate your book to?
I'll be honoured to dedicate this book to the president of this beloved country, the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the UAE National Day. He has great vision and has always encouraged UAE nationals to pursue academics. It is also important here to mention the statement of the former president, Shaikh Zayed: "The greatest use that can be made of wealth is to invest it in creating generations of educated and trained people."
Fatma Salem is an Emirati writer based in Dubai.
A Practical Guide to Business WritingBy Khalid Al Maskari, 138 pages, Dh70
