Dubai Press Club has organised a series of specialised workshops aimed at developing the writing and analytical skills of Emirati students and emerging journalists, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the UAE’s media sector.
Held in collaboration with the Board of Trustees of the Emirati Article Award, the workshops brought together leading Emirati writers, newspaper editors, students, digital content creators and aspiring opinion writers. The sessions focused on practical article-writing skills and highlighted the role of quality journalism in supporting national development.
The initiative reflects Dubai Press Club’s commitment to nurturing local media talent and equipping news organisations with skilled Emirati professionals capable of producing content aligned with the UAE’s vision and societal priorities.
Several prominent Emirati media figures led the sessions. Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, Professor of Political Science and Chairman of the Emirati Article Award’s Board of Trustees, spoke about the influence of impactful articles in shaping public opinion. Emirati writer and media professional Ali Obaid Al Hameli explored writing style, language clarity and techniques for refining journalistic expression.
Hamid bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan, provided insights into how editors assess articles, select writers and evaluate content quality. Emirati journalist Mohamed Al Hammadi guided participants on generating ideas from current affairs, writing strong introductions and improving article structure, while offering direct feedback on participants’ work.
Ibrahim Shukrallah, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm, highlighted the importance of Emirati opinion writing in reinforcing national identity and nurturing influential columnists who reflect community values.
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Press Club, said the workshops aim to identify and develop emerging talent and cultivate a new generation of Emirati writers with a strong national perspective. She added that the collaboration with the Emirati Article Award plays an important role in strengthening the local media landscape.
Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah said the workshops represent a key step in advancing the art of article writing in the UAE, helping young writers explore different article formats and understand their impact on public discourse. He noted that the sessions focus on hands-on skills, from idea development to preparing content for publication.
Wedad Kahoor, Section Head of Media Talent Development at Dubai Press Club, said the workshops were designed to give participants practical experience in developing an article from concept to publication. She highlighted strong engagement from students and media enthusiasts, underlining the growing demand for initiatives that support young Emirati talent in journalism and content creation.
Launched in early 2025, the Emirati Article Award features nine categories, each offering a prize of AED20,000. Categories include social, literary, economic, political, scientific, intellectual, artistic, youth under 18 and resident writer articles. Eligible participants must be UAE citizens or residents, with submissions focused on contemporary Emirati topics. Articles must be unpublished, written in proper Arabic, between 800 and 1,000 words, with only one submission allowed per participant. Any use of artificial intelligence must be clearly disclosed.
