UAEBBY Invites Young Emiratis To Creative Writing Competition

The UAE Board on Book for Young People (UAEBBY) has launched the "Creative Writing Competition," inviting children and young people aged 6 to 18 in the UAE to participate until 31st July. This competition aims to nurture creativity, refine talents, and enhance literary skills by encouraging participants to write stories in Arabic.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY, highlighted that this annual competition is part of the "Read, Dream, Create" campaign. The initiative seeks to discover and nurture the potential of young individuals in innovation and creativity. It provides a platform for them to express their thoughts and aspirations through innovative literary works.

Al Aqroubi stated, "I was informed that the competition has been instrumental in inspiring hundreds of children and adolescents to pursue creative writing over the years. It has helped them enhance their linguistic capabilities, nurturing their ability to express themselves and imagine, while also fostering their ongoing interest in literature and the habit of reading."

To participate, stories must be written in Arabic by writers aged 6 to 18. Participants can include drawings if they wish. Stories must be printed using Microsoft Word and submitted electronically via the "Read, Dream, Create" campaign website (www.readdreamcreate.ae). The submission deadline is July 31, 2024.

The competition requires that all submitted stories align with UAE societal values and human constants. This ensures that the content is appropriate and reflective of local cultural norms.

Prizes and Recognition

The Council has allocated valuable prizes for winners across two categories: children (aged 6-12 years) and adolescents (aged 13-18 years). Each category will have one winner who will receive AED 3,000, a collection of valuable books and stories, and a certificate of appreciation. Additionally, winning stories will be featured on the Council’s website.

This competition not only enhances participants' writing skills but also fosters a love for reading and literature. It provides an opportunity for young talents to venture into publishing, with some participants' works now available on library shelves.

The "Creative Writing Competition" by UAEBBY continues to play a significant role in inspiring young minds in the UAE. Through this initiative, many children have developed their linguistic abilities and sustained their interest in literature.

With inputs from WAM