The Dubai Press Club Organizes a Series of Workshops to Support the Development of a New Generation of Emirati Writers
The Dubai Press Club, in collaboration with the “Emirati Article Prize,” has launched a series of specialized workshops aimed at enhancing writing skills among Emirati students and youth. These workshops are part of the club’s efforts to support the development of a new generation of Emirati writers who can effectively contribute to the local media landscape. By partnering with prominent writers and editors-in-chief, this initiative enhances journalistic writing skills and promotes effective literary expression.
Objective of the Workshops
The workshops are designed to equip participants with enhanced writing and analytical skills, featuring training sessions led by several professional writers who addressed a variety of topics. Among the notable workshops was one presented by Dr. Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, a professor of political science and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the “Emirati Article Prize,” titled “The Role of Serious Articles in Shaping Public Opinion,” where he discussed the significance of the article as a primary source for understanding social and political transformations.
Practical Experiences and Engaging Discussions
The workshops also included a session by writer and media figure Ali Obaid Al-Hamli, who conducted a workshop titled “From Column to Thought,” focusing on strategies for expressing ideas and developing a unique writing identity. Simultaneously, Hamid bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Bayan newspaper, reviewed the editorial standards necessary for selecting writers and the writing styles required in the local media market, providing participants with deep insights into the needs of this field.
Enhancing National Identity Through Writing
The role of the Emirati article in promoting national identity was the focus of a workshop led by Ibrahim Shukrallah, Editor-in-Chief of Emirates Today, where he discussed how to craft a discourse that affirms community values. Mariam Al-Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, emphasized the importance of these workshops in supporting the journalistic writing sector, stating: “These workshops are a significant step towards supporting and enhancing the journalistic writing sector in the country, and we take pride in our partnership with the ‘Emirati Article Prize,’ which adds qualitative value to the local media landscape.”
Future Prospects
Focusing on the development of article writing is a key component of the action plan, as Dr. Abdulkhaleq Abdullah noted that these workshops specifically target youth from media studies, ensuring knowledge transfer and broadening their writing horizons. Widad Kahour, Head of Media Talent Development at the club, confirmed that these initiatives resonate with students’ enthusiasm and provide a fruitful educational environment.
The “Emirati Article Prize,” which represents a milestone in recognizing Emirati writers, has launched nine branches covering various writing fields, reflecting its commitment to supporting the creative writing competencies in the country. These efforts provide vital support for the growth of Emirati talents in journalism and content creation.