Art & Culture
Dubai is steadily transforming into a global literary powerhouse, and at the heart of this evolution is the Dubai Exporting Local Literary Talent programme. Spearheaded by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in partnership with the Emirates Literature Foundation, the initiative is opening international doors for Emirati and UAE-based writers, positioning them on some of the world’s most influential literary stages.
Since its launch in June 2024 under the Dubai Cultural Grant, the programme has supported 28 writers across 17 international literary platforms. What may seem like a number on paper represents something far greater: new opportunities, global recognition, and meaningful cultural exchange for homegrown storytellers who are shaping the UAE’s narrative for the world.
A Strategic Cultural Investment
Dubai’s creative economy ambitions are not limited to architecture, design, or film. Literature plays a vital role in defining a nation’s identity, and this initiative reflects a strategic investment in intellectual capital. By enabling writers to participate in leading festivals and book fairs, Dubai Culture is ensuring that Emirati voices are not only heard locally but resonate globally.
The programme operates under the broader Dubai Cultural Grant framework, designed to nurture sustainable creative careers and reinforce the emirate’s standing as a global cultural hub. More than just financial support, it offers access, visibility, and engagement with international publishers, translators, and literary institutions.
Between mid-2024 and late 2025, participating writers have taken part in major festivals and book fairs in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, Cyprus, Morocco, and Egypt. Each appearance represents a bridge between cultures, a conversation across borders, and a step toward greater global integration for UAE literature.
Cairo International Book Fair Spotlight
One of the most recent milestones came at the Cairo International Book Fair, which ran until early February 2026. Dubai Culture supported a delegation of prominent Emirati writers including Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Ali Al Maazmi, Nadia Al Najjar, and Salha Obaid.
Their presence at one of the Arab world’s most prestigious literary gatherings underscored the programme’s regional and international reach. Beyond panel discussions and book signings, the participation allowed these authors to engage directly with readers, publishers, and fellow writers from across the Middle East and beyond.
Events like Cairo are not merely symbolic appearances. They create real opportunities for translation deals, publishing partnerships, and cross-border collaborations. For many writers, such exposure can be career-defining.
Creating Meaningful Global Dialogue
According to cultural leaders behind the initiative, the programme is designed to foster intellectual exchange and collaboration rather than simply promote books. It encourages writers to engage with global institutions, participate in discussions about literature’s evolving role, and refine their craft through exposure to diverse perspectives.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasised that the initiative creates meaningful opportunities for creatives to grow professionally while contributing to Dubai’s broader cultural ambitions. By placing writers within international forums, the programme strengthens both individual careers and the emirate’s cultural influence.
For emerging and established authors alike, the value lies not only in visibility but in dialogue. When Emirati writers share stages with global literary figures, they bring stories rooted in rapid transformation, cultural heritage, and modern identity. In return, they gain insights into global publishing trends, narrative techniques, and audience expectations.
Stories Born from Transformation
Dubai’s transformation over the past few decades is often described in economic or architectural terms. Yet literature captures the emotional and human side of that change. Writers from the UAE chronicle shifting social landscapes, generational perspectives, and the balance between tradition and modernity.
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, highlighted that writers from Dubai speak from a place that has undergone extraordinary change in a remarkably short span of time. Their stories are not abstract concepts; they are lived experiences shaped by ambition, migration, heritage, and innovation.
Through this initiative, those narratives are reaching audiences far beyond the Gulf. International readers are discovering contemporary Emirati fiction, memoir, and poetry that challenge stereotypes and expand understanding of the region.
Supporting Sustainable Creative Careers
The Dubai Exporting Local Literary Talent programme also aligns with the emirate’s Quality of Life Strategy. A thriving cultural scene contributes to a vibrant society, and sustainable creative careers are essential to that vision.
By funding international participation, Dubai Culture reduces barriers that often limit writers’ global engagement. Travel, accommodation, and participation costs can be prohibitive, particularly for emerging authors. The programme ensures that talent, not financial limitation, determines who gets a seat at the table.
Moreover, international exposure often translates into long-term professional growth. Invitations to festivals can lead to teaching opportunities, translation agreements, and global distribution deals. In this way, the initiative contributes directly to the development of a resilient literary ecosystem within the UAE.
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Cultural Footprint
Over the past two years, the consistent presence of Emirati writers at high-profile literary events has reinforced Dubai’s reputation as more than a commercial or tourism hub. It is increasingly recognised as a centre for cultural dialogue and creative production.
Seventeen global platforms across multiple continents signal a deliberate and sustained effort rather than isolated participation. From English-language festivals in the UK and Australia to multicultural gatherings in India and Morocco, Emirati writers are entering diverse markets and conversations.
This global engagement enhances the UAE’s soft power. Literature, after all, travels differently from policy or commerce. A novel or memoir can connect emotionally with readers thousands of miles away, offering insight into daily life, values, and aspirations in the Emirates.
Building the Next Chapter
While 28 writers have already benefited from the programme, cultural leaders suggest this is only the beginning. The foundation laid between 2024 and 2025 provides a blueprint for expanding support in the coming years.
As more Emirati and UAE-based writers gain international recognition, a ripple effect is expected within the local literary community. Younger authors see tangible pathways to global platforms. Publishers and literary agents become more attentive to regional voices. Translation initiatives gain momentum.
Ultimately, the Dubai Exporting Local Literary Talent programme reflects a broader belief: that stories matter. By investing in its writers, Dubai is investing in its narrative, ensuring that the world hears not just about the city’s skyline, but about the people, histories, and imaginations that shape it.
Through sustained support, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to cultural exchange, Dubai is elevating Emirati literature onto the global stage—one story, one author, and one international platform at a time.
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