Dubai: On the occasion of honoring the United Arab Emirates’ 50th National Day, the Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF) is celebrating the best Emirati literature from each decade of the last 50 years.
ELF is a not-for-profit organization which empowers and nurtures a love of literature in the UAE and the region.
Great literature of renowned poet Ousha bint Khalifa, and prolific short-story writer Mohammed Al Murr are among those highlighted by the not-for-profit organization as the best literary achievements of the last half century.
The wide-ranging list of notable authors who are considered for the commemoration include Novelist Ms. Maha Garghash, Children’s Author and Illustrator Ms. Maitha Al Khayat, Poet and Film maker Ms. Nujoom Al Ghanem and Sci-fi Writer Ms. Noura Al Noman.
The 2022 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which is expected to take place from the 3rd of February to the 12th next year will witness the participation of some remarkable literature stalwarts such as Dr. Afra Atiq, Mr. Omar Saif Ghobash, Ms. Salha Obaid and Ms. Dubai Abulhoul. The event will also host new up-and-coming Emirati writers and performers.
“One of our aims is to provide a platform for more Emiratis to tell their stories,” Ms. Abulhoul remarked while further added that, “We do this through initiatives such as First Chapter, our new global standard mentorship program, designed to nurture emerging writing talent. We want to encourage new voices, telling our unique stories and the perspectives that currently may not yet be known beyond the region. Authentic narratives, whether it is the retelling of our traditional folk tales or insight into contemporary lives, are all equally important and need to be heard throughout the world.”
First Chapter, the ELF Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship, is the initial attempt of its type in the region for aspiring writers from the UAE and is free to successful applicants.
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