Spotlight on young Emirati authors at Al Ain Book Festival

The UAE'S publishing sector is booming and young Emirati authors have been able to make their mark on the international scene, said publishers, authors and literateurs at the Al Ain Book Festival 2022.

The 13th edition of the event is seeing a significant presence of young writers, creators, readers and students, with authors working in a variety of genres, including novels, poetry, children's literature, academic research, artwork, studies and other forms of creative writing.

Hessa Al Jaroudi, a young author, said young writers in the Emirates have proven their abilities and taken their place on the Arab and international literary scene.

“Emirati youths' literary output is now highly sought after at Gulf, Arab and international book fairs,” Al Jaroudi said.

Young Emirati writer Issa Al Awadi underlined that social media platforms have made a positive impact.

“Social media is the most important factor in attracting young people, since it allows young authors to communicate their works to the public, especially their peers,” Al Awadi noted, adding that official institutions like the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), which is part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, have been supporting young writers with training workshops.

Fawaz Al Mutairi, director, Qahwa Publishing House, emphasised that the UAE'S publishing sector is attracting young publishers and writers from within and outside the country.

“With its excellent facilities for printing and electronic publishing, the UAE is an encouraging environment for young authors,” Al Mutairi said. “Publishing in the UAE involves a form of social responsibility that connects the publisher, the writer and the bodies responsible for publishing, to ensure that content respects readers' minds and builds a real and robust culture.”