Dubai Press Club Initiatives Enhance Aspirations of Young Emirati Writers

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Dubai Press Club has teamed up with the Board of Trustees of the Emirati Article Award to roll out a series of targeted workshops designed to refine the journalistic writing skills of young Emirati students.

These workshops gathered distinguished Emirati writers, editors, students, digital content creators, and budding columnists, creating an engaging forum centered on analytical writing, opinion pieces, and professional media standards. This initiative underscores the Press Club's commitment to enhancing the media fabric of the UAE by cultivating skilled national talents capable of generating meaningful, responsible, and progressive content.

Insights from Esteemed Emirati Media Professionals

Sessions were led by highly regarded media figures in the UAE. Dr. Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, a Political Science Professor and Chairman of the Emirati Article Award’s Board of Trustees, discussed how thoughtfully crafted articles can shape public sentiment and influence societal dialogue. He emphasized the critical role of opinion writing in elucidating national priorities and fostering reader engagement with clarity.

Famed writer and media expert Ali Obaid Al Hameli shared insights into journalistic style, instructing participants on how to enhance their language, organize ideas effectively, and develop a unique voice suited for newspaper columns and opinion pieces.

Hamid bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan, provided essential knowledge about newsroom dynamics, explaining how editors assess articles, choose contributors, and uphold editorial excellence in a competitive environment.

From Concept to Publication

Practical skill development was a key focus. Emirati journalist Mohamed Al Hammadi guided participants on generating compelling article ideas from current affairs, crafting engaging openings, and enhancing article flow. He also provided constructive feedback on participants' drafts to sharpen their skills.

Ibrahim Shukrallah, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm, underscored the vital role of Emirati narratives in strengthening national identity, pointing out how local columnists reflect societal values and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

Fostering Homegrown Media Talents

Maryam Al Mulla, Dubai Press Club’s Director, stated that the workshops aim to cultivate young talent and prepare a new generation of Emirati writers who can create impactful content with a strong national viewpoint. She noted that collaboration with the Emirati Article Award significantly enriches the local media landscape while encouraging young voices to take the professional journalism path.

Dr. Abdul Khaleq Abdullah emphasized that these workshops are pivotal in promoting a culture of article writing in the UAE. He explained that attendees were familiarized with various article formats and equipped with the practical skills necessary for publication, demonstrating the synergy between the Award and the Press Club.

Interactive Learning and Active Participation

Wedad Kahoor, Section Head of Media Talent Development at the Dubai Press Club, remarked that the workshops were designed to provide participants with hands-on experience, guiding them through the entire process from the initial concept to the final draft. She noted the enthusiastic engagement from students and emerging writers, highlighting the escalating need for professional training that champions Emirati media talent.

Overview of the Emirati Article Award

Launched in early 2025, the Emirati Article Award encompasses nine categories—social, literary, economic, political, scientific, intellectual, artistic, youth (under 18), and resident writer. Each category features a prize of AED 20,000. The award is accessible to both UAE citizens and residents, requiring submissions to focus on contemporary Emirati issues while demonstrating originality, creativity, and depth. Articles must be unpublished, written in proper Arabic, and span between 800 and 1,000 words, allowing each participant to submit one entry per category.