Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Dubai Press Club, in partnership with the Board of Trustees of the Emirati Article Award, recently launched a series of workshops aimed at empowering the journalistic capabilities of young Emirati students.

The workshops gathered a diverse group of participants, including esteemed Emirati writers, editors, and aspiring content creators. The sessions focused on critical writing skills for opinion articles, journalism standards, and analytical writing, underscoring the Press Club’s dedication to cultivating skilled local talent ready to contribute impactful content to UAE’s media landscape.

Insights from Esteemed Emirati Media Professionals

The lineup featured discussions from leading figures in Emirati media. Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, a Political Science professor and the Chairman of the Emirati Article Award, discussed the influence of effective writing in public opinion formation and societal dialogue. He elaborated on the necessity of opinion pieces in communicating national interests and engaging the public thoughtfully.

Ali Obaid Al Hameli, an Emirati writer and media expert, shared techniques for honing journalistic style, offering participants guidance on enhancing their language, structuring ideas, and cultivating a unique voice suitable for various published formats.

Hamid bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan, provided insights into the editorial process, detailing how articles are evaluated and the standards upheld to ensure quality in a competitive media environment.

From Concept to Creation

A significant aspect of the workshops comprised practical training. Emirati journalist Mohamed Al Hammadi guided attendees on brainstorming relevant article topics, crafting engaging openings, and refining the overall structure of their pieces. He offered constructive feedback on their work, enabling them to elevate their writing skills.

Ibrahim Shukrallah, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm, emphasized the necessity of Emirati-authored content for reinforcing national identity and urged local writers to meaningfully contribute to public discussions.

Fostering the Next Generation of Media Talent

Maryam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, explained that these workshops aim to nurture the next wave of impactful Emirati writers. She highlighted the collaboration with the Emirati Article Award as pivotal in enhancing the media landscape and encouraging young voices to engage with journalism professionally.

Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah remarked that these workshops signify substantial progress in promoting article writing culture within the UAE, equipping participants with essential skills necessary for successful publication.

Interactive Learning and Strong Engagement

Wedad Kahoor, Head of Media Talent Development, noted that the structure of the workshops allowed participants to gain hands-on experience, guiding them from brainstorming to drafting final articles. She emphasized the high level of engagement from students and aspiring writers, reflecting the growing need for training that supports Emirati media talent.

About the Emirati Article Award

Established in early 2025, the Emirati Article Award encompasses nine categories—including social, literary, and scientific—each with a prize of AED 20,000. Open to all UAE citizens and residents, submissions must address contemporary Emirati subjects, showcasing originality and insight. Articles should be unpublished, written in formal Arabic, and must be between 800 and 1,000 words long, with a maximum of one submission per category.

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