Emirati Journalism Workshops By Dubai Press Club And Emirati Article Award Sharpen Young Talent

The Dubai Press Club, working with the Board of Trustees of the Emirati Article Award, recently held specialised training workshops to build the writing skills of Emirati students and young people. The sessions focused on journalistic articles and brought together editors, writers, content creators, and participants interested in analytical writing.

Through this joint initiative, organisers aim to supply UAE newsrooms with Emirati talent able to prepare articles aligned with national priorities. The programme supports the UAE’s wider media strategy by promoting rigorous analysis, clear language, and professional standards in print and digital commentary.

The Emirati Article Award, introduced in early 2025, offers nine distinct categories, each with a prize of AED20,000. The categories cover social, literary, economic, political, scientific, intellectual, and artistic articles, as well as a youth segment for writers under 18 and a resident writer category for non-citizens.

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Entries must be written in correct Arabic and range between 800 and 1,000 words. Articles need to address contemporary Emirati issues, demonstrate originality and depth, and must not have been published before submission. Each writer can submit only one article in a single category, and any use of AI must be clearly declared.

Maryam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, stated that the workshops target emerging writers and students, helping them develop a strong national perspective in their work. Al Mulla noted that cooperation with the Emirati Article Award supports the wider media environment by identifying and guiding promising Emirati voices.

According to Section Head Media Talent Development at the Dubai Press Club, Wedad Kahoor, the workshops were designed as a full practical journey, taking participants from the initial idea to a ready-for-publication article. Kahoor observed strong participation from students and enthusiasts, which reflects growing demand for structured support in journalism and content creation.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Emirati Article Award, Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, stressed that the workshops mark an important step for article writing in the UAE. Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah explained that the sessions introduce participants to various article forms and their influence on public opinion, while also sharpening skills in idea development and editorial preparation.

Emirati Article Award sessions with leading Emirati editors

The training gatherings hosted several senior Emirati media figures who shared professional experience with participants. Political science professor Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah discussed how impactful opinion articles can guide debate and shape community attitudes, and highlighted the responsibility that comes with this influence.

Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan, Hamid bin Karam, described how editors select columnists and judge the quality of submitted work. Bin Karam explained the value of consistency, accuracy, and clear argument, and outlined the criteria that help editors decide which writers are suitable for long-term collaboration with newspapers.

Emirati writer and media professional Ali Obaid Al Hameli focused on language and style, looking at how word choice and tone affect readers. Al Hameli addressed approaches to refining journalistic style, balancing personality with newsroom standards, and developing an individual voice that still respects editorial guidelines and audience expectations.

Emirati Article Award focus on national identity and ideas

Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm Newspaper, Ibrahim Shukrallah, examined the role of Emirati articles in strengthening national identity. Shukrallah underlined how regular columns can nurture influential writers who represent community values and contribute to thoughtful discussion of social, economic, and political developments in the country.

Emirati writer and journalist Mohamed Al Hammadi guided participants on generating topics from current events and local issues. Al Hammadi provided tips on writing engaging introductions, structuring arguments, and revising drafts, while also giving direct feedback on participants’ texts to help improve clarity and impact.

Collectively, the Dubai Press Club workshops linked the Emirati Article Award with practical training, offering young Emiratis and residents a clear path into professional commentary. The initiative supported the UAE’s media sector by combining education, mentorship, and clear competition rules to encourage thoughtful, well-crafted articles on national affairs.

With inputs from WAM