The “Emirates Fellowship for Literature and Sadiqi for Writers” program stands as a beacon for aspiring writers in the UAE, nurturing their talent and providing them with invaluable guidance. Recently, during the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the ten finalists for the 2026 fellowship were announced. Selected from a pool of 120 applicants, these writers represent the next wave of literary talent, highlighting the program’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant literary community.
Announcement of the Finalists
Yesterday, the writers advancing to the first phase of the “Emirates Fellowship for Literature and Sadiqi for Writers” for 2026 were unveiled during the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Out of 120 applicants, ten winners were chosen, reflecting the quality and promise of this year’s submissions. The announcement was made by five mentors participating in this year’s festival, whose guidance is instrumental in shaping the program’s success.
Mentors and Winners
The list of esteemed mentors includes: Ali Sparks, Alwyn Hamilton, Annabelle Kantarija, Greg Moss, Iman Hamidan, Jalal Burgis, Leila Abu Alaa, Renée Ahdia, Shahla Al-Ajili, and Suna Charayputra. Each mentor selected a winner, showcasing a diverse range of voices and styles. The honored writers are: Ahmed Al-Sah (selected by Jalal Burgis), Catherine Rich (selected by Ali Sparks), Hisham Al-Sayed Ahmed (selected by Dr. Shahla Al-Ajili), Janna Fakhouri (selected by Suna Charayputra), Kamand Kogori (selected by Greg Moss), Mehr Shafii (selected by Renée Ahdia), Nadine Bacchus (selected by Iman Hamidan), Raed Bouajram (selected by Annabelle Kantarija), Shahd Thani (selected by Leila Abu Alaa), and Zainab Ahmed (selected by Alwyn Hamilton).
The Vision of the Program
Ahlam Blouki, the CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation and director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, expressed gratitude towards the “Sadiqi” group for believing in the vision and values of the fellowship. She emphasized the program’s role in cultivating an exceptional generation of writers in the UAE, stating, “We are proud to witness our writers benefitting from the expertise and insights of distinguished authors who generously share their knowledge through direct mentorship and training workshops aimed at refining their talents and enhancing their creative tools.”
Commitment to Literary Excellence
Hind Abdul Hamid Sadiqi, head of marketing and corporate communications at “Sadiqi” holding group, remarked on the importance of the “Emirates Fellowship for Literature and Sadiqi for Writers.” She noted, “The continuous success and growing interest we have observed reaffirm the significance of this fellowship. We at Sadiqi Holding take immense pride in the achievements of our previous cohorts, thanks to the deep expertise provided by the Emirates Literature Foundation and our elite mentors over the years.” With an eye towards the future, she reiterated a steadfast commitment to nurturing promising narrative talents and supporting innovative experiences that will further enrich their skills and enhance their creative capabilities.