The Emirates Literature Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of its annual Story Writing Competition, inviting young writers across the nation to demonstrate their literary prowess.

This highly anticipated event has become a staple in the academic calendar, welcoming submissions in both Arabic and English from home-schoolers and full-time students attending schools, colleges, and universities in the UAE. The competition is divided into specific age categories, namely 11 and under, 12-14, 15-17, and 18-25. A prestigious awards ceremony will take place during the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in 2024 to honour the winners, and their exceptional entries will be published in a captivating anthology.

Last year, the competition witnessed an overwhelming response with almost 4,000 stories submitted. This year, aspiring young writers are encouraged to explore the theme of 'Beginnings'. The deadline for submissions is 30 October 2023.

Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, emphasized the significance of beginnings in both literature and in life. She said: ‘A strong start to a story or book lays the foundation for narratives that captivate readers from the very start and entice them to continue the journey until the final page. The same applies, in a broader sense, in life where the first step is crucial to embark on new adventures. I encourage students to take a retrospective look at their unique experiences and share their own interpretation that celebrates their personal journey.’