The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature hosted the launch of the fifth edition of the Young Voices of Arabia anthology, a remarkable collection of stories penned by the 2024 winners of the Voices of Future Generations Middle East competition. The event, held at the festival in Dubai, was graced by Her Highness Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Goodwill Ambassador for Voices of Future Generations, alongside esteemed guests such as Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and more than 450 attendees, including VIPs, dignitaries, and international authors.
Empowering the Young Writers
The 2024 anthology features the work of 22 young authors who have demonstrated their creativity while addressing global challenges such as sustainability, a theme closely tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These young authors, aged between 8 and 12 years, present stories that offer hope and visions for a brighter future, showcasing their ability to blend imagination and environmental consciousness.
A Special Celebration of Young Talent
Her Highness Sheikha Hissa expressed her pride in the work of the young writers, emphasizing the significance of fictional storytelling in shaping a better future. She stated, “These young storytellers are true ambassadors for planet Earth, using their voices to inspire change.” The ceremony also featured readings by the winning authors Lujain Wissam Al Halabi and Mohammed Hamdan Siddiqui, whose excerpts were read in both Arabic and English. Additionally, Emirati musician Zayed Mohamed Al Zaabi performed an enchanting piano piece, adding to the celebration.
Introducing the Teacher Champion Awards
Alongside the unveiling of the new anthology, the 2025 edition of the competition introduced the Teacher Champion Awards, recognizing the dedication of educators who have inspired and nurtured young writers. This new initiative aims to celebrate the invaluable role teachers play in fostering creativity and sustainability in students. Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation (ELF), expressed her enthusiasm for this new award, highlighting its potential to further support education and literary excellence.
Future Aspirations and Publishing Opportunities
The 2024 anthology is available for purchase, with both Arabic and English versions of the stories professionally edited and translated. It is available as a digital download and in physical copies for AED 80 through the ELF publishing website. The stories are illustrated by regional artists, adding a unique visual dimension to the written work.
In 2025, the competition is now open for children in the region to submit fictional stories between 600 and 1,500 words, focusing on sustainability and the UN’s SDGs. The Teacher Champion Programme will offer professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and cash prizes to educators who champion the next generation of sustainability-focused writers.
This event, part of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and providing them with a platform to raise their voices for a sustainable future. The festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, concludes on February 3, 2025, celebrating nearly 200 of the world’s greatest writers and thinkers.
For more information about Voices of Future Generations and to participate in the competition, visit the official website.
