Meet The UAE's Literary Rising Stars: Winners Of The First Chapter 2025 Fellowship Unveiled

Dubai, the city of superlatives, isn't just building the tallest towers—it's also raising the literary ambitions of its writers. And tonight, at the gala opening of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, ten promising authors took a giant leap toward literary stardom.

The First Chapter: ELF Seddiqi Writers' Fellowship, a high-stakes, high-reward mentorship programme, has unveiled its 2025 cohort, setting them on a path that could lead to major international publishing deals.

For the winners—handpicked from nearly 100 applicants writing their first fiction novel in Arabic or English—this isn't just a recognition. It's an entry ticket into the global literary circuit, with one-on-one mentorship from some of the industry's finest authors, access to publishers, and the kind of exposure that can turn an unknown writer into a bestselling author.

Meet the 2025 Literary Rising Stars

This year's ten winners and their internationally acclaimed mentors are:
- Ahlam Jahaf, mentored by Jalal Barjas
- Ellie Salkeld, mentored by Ali Sparkes
- Habiba Tahir, mentored by Yrsa Sigurdottir
- Huda El Waleely, mentored by Iman Humaydan
- Rend Beiruti, mentored by Freya North
- Sarah Madani, mentored by Annabel Kantaria
- Shaikha Al Shamsi, mentored by Shahla Al Ujaily
- Shalaka Paradkar, mentored by Greg Mosse
- Shyama Krishna Kumar, mentored by Alwyn Hamilton
- Shylin Sam, mentored by Sona Charaipotra

These ten writers are now part of an elite group poised to shake up the literary scene. But the real magic of the ELF Seddiqi Writers' Fellowship isn't just in the names—it's in the transformational journey that follows.

Unlike many mentorship programs that offer a brief workshop and a pat on the back, First Chapter is a deep-dive, career-shaping initiative. Over the course of a year, the fellows receive:
✅ One-on-one mentorship with globally published authors who refine their manuscripts and sharpen their storytelling.
✅ Workshops covering everything from plot development to the harsh realities of the publishing industry.
✅ Direct access to literary agents, editors, and international publishers—a golden opportunity in an industry where the right connection can make or break a debut novel.
✅ Field trips to leading writing institutions—past cohorts have trained at Gotham Writers' Workshop in New York and Faber Academy in London, rubbing shoulders with the world's top literary minds.

For many in the region, this is the bridge between aspiring writer and published author. And it's already proving successful.

If past winners are anything to go by, this year's fellows aren't just writing—they're launching careers.
- Sara Hamdan, from the Fellowship's first year, landed a two-book deal with U.S. publishing giant Holt, with her novel What Will People Think hitting shelves in May 2025.
- Saba Brelvi, a second-year graduate, secured a publishing deal with The Dial Press (Penguin Random House), after being signed by powerhouse literary agent Alexa Stark at Writers House in New York.
It's a trajectory that's unheard of for debut authors without insider connections. And that's exactly why this Fellowship is changing the game.

According to Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Festival Director, First Chapter isn't just about nurturing local talent—it's about putting the UAE on the global literary map.

"This Fellowship is really putting the writing scene in the UAE on the map, attracting the attention of publishers internationally by highlighting the amazing writing talent we have here. Our talented homegrown writers thrive on this programme, thanks to the incredible authors who dedicate their time to mentor the fellows and provide them with one-on-one feedback."

And for Seddiqi Holding, which has backed the Fellowship since its inception, the vision is clear:
"It goes to show the immense talent we have in this region, and we are incredibly honoured to provide a platform for these writers. As we head into another year, we remain confident this programme will continue to be instrumental for the Fellows and other aspiring writers in the region," said Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Seddiqi Holding.

This isn't just about one year's winners—it's about building a pipeline of authors who can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.

The next 12 months will be gruelling, exhilarating, and possibly life-changing.
- They'll polish their manuscripts with their mentors, refining every word, scene, and character arc.
- They'll dive into industry knowledge, learning how to navigate the high-stakes world of publishing.
- They'll pitch to agents, editors, and publishers, potentially securing their first book deals.
And if history is any indicator, some of them will sign contracts with major international publishers.

The UAE has long been known for breaking records in architecture, technology, and innovation. Now, it's doing the same in literature.

For the ten writers stepping into the Fellowship tonight, the next chapter is just beginning.
And for the publishing world? Dubai is officially on the map.