The Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF) has revealed the ten winners of the First Chapter 2025, the prestigious Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship, at the Gala Opening of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. These emerging writers have been selected from nearly 100 applicants who are working on their first fiction novels in either Arabic or English. The fellowship provides the winners with one-on-one coaching, workshops, and access to industry experts, with the potential to secure international publishing deals.
The Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship aims to foster talent in the UAE’s literary scene, empowering writers to develop their craft and gain visibility on a global scale. This initiative, now in its fourth year, stands as the region’s only mentorship program of its kind, offering writers an invaluable opportunity to work with internationally renowned authors.
Mentorship from Industry Experts
This year’s fellowship pairs the winners with esteemed authors, including Ali Sparkes, Alwyn Hamilton, Annabel Kantaria, Freya North, Greg Mosse, Iman Humaydan, Jalal Barjas, Shahla Ujaily, Sona Charaipotra, and Yrsa Siggurdottir. Each writer will benefit from six hours of personalized mentorship, in addition to workshops and networking events with authors, publishers, and agents.
Winners of the 2025 Fellowship
The ten winners selected for this year’s fellowship include:
- Ahlam Jahaf – chosen by Jalal Barjas
- Ellie Salkeld – chosen by Ali Sparkes
- Habiba Tahir – chosen by Yrsa Siggurdottir
- Huda El Waleely – chosen by Iman Humaydan
- Rend Beiruti – chosen by Freya North
- Sarah Madani – chosen by Annabel Kantaria
- Shaikha Al Shamsi – chosen by Shahla Ujaily
- Shalaka Paradkar – chosen by Greg Mosse
- Shyama Krishna Kumar – chosen by Alwyn Hamilton
- Shylin Sam – chosen by Sona Charaipotra
Impact of the Fellowship on UAE’s Literary Landscape
Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of ELF, highlighted the significance of the fellowship in nurturing the UAE’s writing talent:
“This program is placing UAE-based writers on the global literary map, enabling them to connect with international publishers. We are immensely grateful to Seddiqi Holding for partnering with us to provide a platform for aspiring authors.”
Two graduates of the program have already secured publishing deals: Sara Hamdan, whose debut novel will be published in May 2025 by Holt, and Saba Brelvi, whose novel, The Squatters, will be published by Penguin Random House.
Further Opportunities for Fellows
The fellowship’s yearly workshops, field trips to writing institutions such as Gotham Writers Centre and Faber Academy, and meetings with industry leaders, provide writers with a comprehensive toolkit to launch their careers.
Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, CMCO of Seddiqi Holding, expressed excitement over the fellowship’s growth:
“The milestones we’ve achieved with the fellowship reflect the incredible talent in the region. We are excited to continue providing support to UAE’s aspiring authors in collaboration with ELF.”
With the 2025 First Chapter fellowship, these selected writers are well-positioned to contribute to the UAE’s growing literary scene and gain a wider international audience.
For more details on the Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship and upcoming events, visit the Emirates Literature Foundation website.
