House of Wisdom in Sharjah marked Emirati Writers’ Day with a two-day programme of literary discussions, author signings, and publishing initiatives designed to strengthen engagement between Emirati writers and readers across generations.
The programme combined public dialogue, book launches, and literary exhibitions to highlight the evolving landscape of Emirati publishing and storytelling. Moreover, the initiative reinforced the growing role of cultural institutions in supporting the UAE’s literary ecosystem through community-focused programming and direct author engagement.
“Marking Emirati Writer’s Day, the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah hosted a two-day cultural programme featuring panel discussions, literary activities, and book signings to strengthen the presence of Emirati writers and create opportunities for direct engagement between readers and creators.”
A key component of the programme was “Our Writers,” a showcase of Emirati literary publications featuring local publishing houses and independent authors. Consequently, visitors had the opportunity to discover contemporary Emirati literature while engaging directly with writers through signing sessions and discussions.
Participating publishers included Kalimat Group, Austin Macauley Publishers, Menassah Distribution Company, Ghaf Publishing, Kuttab Publication, and Dar Qessa. In addition, the event featured Emirati authors, including Marwa Al Aqroubi, Amal Al Sahlawi, Ahmad Ameeri, and Maryam Al Marri, among others.
House of Wisdom Expands Dialogue Around Emirati Literature and Identity
Speaking during the programme, Marwa Al Aqroubi highlighted the cultural importance of Emirati writers in preserving national identity and fostering intellectual exchange.
“Emirati Writer’s Day celebrates the creative voices that have shaped the UAE’s cultural landscape and carried the country’s identity, stories and values to new generations through writing.”
Al Aqroubi further emphasised the institution’s commitment to creating interactive cultural spaces that connect literature with broader public engagement. Therefore, the programme reflected House of Wisdom’s wider strategy of positioning literature as an active social and cultural practice rather than a purely academic discipline.
“HoW continues to support Emirati writers by creating interactive spaces that connect them with readers and reinforce the relationship between society, books and knowledge.”
The initiative also reinforced Sharjah’s broader cultural positioning as a regional centre for publishing, literature, and intellectual exchange within the Arab world.
“The Story Thief” Launch Highlights Young Adult Literature in the UAE
As part of the celebrations, House of Wisdom hosted a session within its HOW Talks series titled “Between Narrative and Identity,” organised in collaboration with Kalimat Group. The discussion examined the development of young adult literature in the UAE through the launch of The Story Thief.
“The session featured Emirati novelist Nadia Al Najjar, writer and translator Noura Al Khoori, and illustrator Asma Al Hamli.”
The conversation explored how storytelling shapes identity formation, emotional awareness, and cultural representation for younger readers. Furthermore, participants discussed the growing significance of youth-oriented publishing within the UAE’s literary landscape.
The official launch of The Story Thief also reflected growing institutional support for collaborative literary projects that combine writing, translation, and illustration.
Emirati Writers’ Day takes place annually on 26 May to commemorate the founding of the Emirates Writers Union in 1984. As a result, the occasion continues to serve as a national platform that recognises the contributions of Emirati authors to the UAE’s cultural and intellectual development.