Dubai Culture sends 28 Emirati writers to global literary stage

According to Dubai Culture & Arts Authority's announcement, 28 Emirati and UAE-based writers have participated in 17 international literary events worldwide through the Exporting Local Literary Talent programme. Launched in June 2024, the initiative has opened doors for local talent on the global stage while reinforcing Dubai's position as a hub for the creative economy.

Supporting writers on the global stage

Operating under the Dubai Cultural Grant, the programme highlights the ability of Emirati and UAE-based creatives to engage with the global literary movement. Most recently, Dubai Culture announced support for writers HE Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Ali Al Maazmi, Nadia Al Najjar, and Salha Obaid at the Cairo International Book Fair, running until 3 February.

"Through the Exporting Local Literary Talent programme, we are fostering meaningful cooperation and intellectual exchange with literary institutions, festivals, and forums across the globe," said Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture. "By creating dynamic creative spaces and meaningful pathways for Emirati & UAE-based writers, poets, and intellectuals to engage with global cultural experiences, we are empowering them to refine their voices and sustain their creative journeys."

Dubai's unique literary perspective

Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, emphasised the unique perspective Dubai writers bring to global literature. "Writers from Dubai have stories the world needs to hear. They speak from a place that has undergone a transformation unlike anywhere else, in an extraordinarily short span of time," she said.

"What takes generations to unfold elsewhere is experienced here every day. Dubai is both deeply universal and distinctly unique, and these stories deserve to be told," Bolooki added. The programme complements Dubai Culture's broader creative economy initiatives, including free access to LinkedIn Learning courses for local creatives.

International participation highlights

Between June and November 2024, the programme facilitated the participation of 13 Emirati and UAE-based writers in 10 international festivals. Dr Afra Atiq and Ebtisam Al Beiti appeared at the Bradford Literature Festival in the UK and the Toronto International Festival of Authors in Canada. Salha Obaid held a book launch in collaboration with Editora Trinta Zero Nove in Mozambique, while Shamma Al Bastaki and Namal Siddiqui participated in the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in Bali.

In 2025, the programme enabled 15 authors to participate in 7 events worldwide. Salem Al Attas appeared at the International Poetry Slam in Cyprus, whilst Reem Al Kamali joined the Arabic Canadian Book Fair in Ontario. Dr Afra Atiq continued her international presence at the Melbourne, Auckland, and Sydney Writers' Festivals.

Strengthening Dubai's cultural strategy

The programme supports Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy and reinforces the emirate's position on the global cultural map. Additional 2025 engagements included Amal Al Sahlawi and Ali Al Mazmi at the Bengaluru Poetry Festival in India, a literary evening at the National Poetry Library of Scotland, and participation in the Kuwait International Book Fair, Iraq International Book Fair, and Agadir Novel Forum in Morocco.

This initiative aligns with Dubai's broader cultural development efforts, including the Reading Box programme that has promoted literary engagement across the UAE for over a decade.

Programme details

The Exporting Local Literary Talent programme operates under the umbrella of the Dubai Cultural Grant and is open to Emirati and UAE-based writers. The initiative is delivered in partnership with Emirates Literature Foundation and supports Dubai's broader creative economy objectives. Writers interested in participating can contact the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority for more information about future opportunities.

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