Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), organised a series of workshops and lectures under its Creative Writing Programme as part of its participation in UAE Reading Month 2023.

The ALC launched its Creative Writing Programme in an effort to help writers enhance their Arabic skills and strengthen their writing abilities across different genres, including novels, children’s books, poetry, Arabic calligraphy, academic papers and plays.

H.E. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, said: “In line with the vision of our nation’s wise leadership, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre strives to empower and develop literary talent, further advancing the status of the Arabic language and contributing to a richer regional creative scene. Our Creative Writing Programme, held during the annual UAE Reading Month, is presented by a group of experts in their fields, and provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills they need to take their work to the next level.”

The session ‘Workplace Correspondence’, presented by Dr. Ali Kamel Al-Sharif, discussed the concept and different forms of business writing, as well as the skills related to scientific writing, a technical form of writing that communicates scientific information.

On International Women’s Day (8 March), the workshop ‘Pioneering Women in Literature’ was presented by Dr. Fatima Hamad Al Mazrouei and Asma Al Mutawa, and moderated by Hessa Nasser Al Jaroudi. The event shed light on the achievements of Arab women in literature and poetry, highlighting their contributions in this field.

The workshop title focused on the role that the UAE plays in preserving Arabic calligraphy. Presented by calligrapher Khaled Al-Jallaf, President of the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy, the session discussed the history of Arabic calligraphy in the UAE as well as the tools and procedures used to prepare the paper, ink, and pen for calligraphy works.

‘A Life with Each Reading’, presented by Dr. Bilal Orfali, Sheikh Zayed Chair Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies and Head of the Department of Arabic and Near Eastern Languages ​​at the American University of Beirut, traced the experiences of notable readers throughout history to highlight reading as an inherent habit.

Author Najwa Barakat presented the workshop ‘The Art of Novel Writing’, covering the basic skills needed in this field. The session presented curated examples of novels to be developed and produced according to the highest writing standards.

To mark World Poetry Day (21 March), Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi led a session titled ‘Poetry Evening’ that brought together Dr. Monsef Al Wahaibi, Dr. Maha Al-Atoum, and Dr. Alaa Janab, who explored the various forms and structures of poetic verses and the music of poetry. The event also included interactive activities in poetry writing.

Lastly, the ‘Qasr Al Watan Salon’ session discussed the book The Liberation of Tolstoy by Ivan Bunin, which combines biography, memoir writing, and critical study. Members of the Kalima Literary Club participated, exchanging views on the life of the famed Russian author and intellectual and discussing the technical construction of the book and of its Arabic translation.

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About Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, established following a directive from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, late President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, works to support Arabic language development and modernisation through comprehensive strategies and frameworks, enrich the scientific, educational, cultural and creative contributions of the Arabic language, promote Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding, and support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, arts, content creation and organisation of book fairs. The Centre works to realise its foundational vision through dedicated programmes, human expertise, and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture, tourism and creative sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.