Empowering Young Emirati Journalists at Dubai Press Club Workshops

In collaboration with the Board of Trustees of the Emirati Article Award, the Dubai Press Club has launched a set of specialized workshops aimed at enhancing the journalistic writing skills of young Emiratis.

These workshops gathered well-known Emirati writers, editors, students, and digital content creators, thus creating an interactive forum that emphasizes analytical writing, opinion pieces, and adherence to media professionalism. This initiative underscores the Press Club’s commitment to strengthening the UAE's media framework by nurturing skilled local talent capable of delivering meaningful and responsible content.

Insights from Esteemed Emirati Media Leaders

The sessions included insightful discussions led by prominent media figures in the UAE. Dr. Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, a Political Science Professor and Chairman of the Emirati Article Award’s Board of Trustees, discussed how well-crafted articles can influence public sentiment and societal discussions, stressing the significance of opinion writing in articulating national concerns and engaging the audience.

Emirati writer Ali Obaid Al Hameli emphasized the nuances of journalistic writing, providing participants with techniques to enhance their language skills, organize thoughts, and develop a unique voice for columns and opinion articles.

Hamid bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan, shared crucial newsroom strategies, conveying how articles are assessed and what standards editors uphold in a competitive landscape.

Transforming Ideas into Published Works

Emirati writer Mohamed Al Hammadi offered practical advice on crafting compelling articles from current events, guiding how to write engaging introductions and improve article coherence. He provided personalized feedback on participants' works to refine their writing abilities.

Ibrahim Shukrallah, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm, stressed the role of locally authored articles in fortifying national identity and the importance of local columnists in contributing to societal dialogues.

Nurturing Home-Grown Media Talent

Maryam Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Press Club, stated that these workshops aim to cultivate emerging talent and prepare a new wave of Emirati writers who can craft impactful narratives reflecting national perspectives. She noted the collaboration with the Emirati Article Award as a vital element in enriching the local media environment.

Dr. Abdul Khaleq Abdullah underscored the workshops' contribution to enhancing the culture of article writing in the UAE, pointing out that participants gained exposure to various article formats and essential publication skills, showcasing the synergistic relationship between the Award and the Press Club.

Interactive Learning and High Engagement

Wedad Kahoor, Section Head of Media Talent Development at Dubai Press Club, mentioned that the workshops were designed for practical learning, taking participants through the entire journey of article creation from conception to finalization. She emphasized the enthusiasm from students and aspiring writers, highlighting the increasing need for professional training that supports Emirati media talent.

About the Emirati Article Award

Introduced in early 2025, the Emirati Article Award comprises nine categories—social, literary, economic, political, scientific, intellectual, artistic, youth (under 18), and resident writer. Each category boasts a prize of AED 20,000. The award invites submissions from UAE citizens and residents, focusing on contemporary Emirati themes while demonstrating originality and depth. Articles must be written in proper Arabic, unpublished, and range from 800 to 1,000 words, with each contender permitted one submission per category.