Kalimat Group’s 2nd Writers’ Retreat culminates with the launch of Tales from the House at SIBF 2024

Anthology featuring works of 10 emerging local authors launched at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair marks a milestone in nurturing Emirati literary talent

Sharjah, November 20, 2024

The UAE-based publisher Kalimat Group celebrated the success of the second edition of its Writers’ Retreat, a professional mentoring programme designed to elevate the skills of aspiring Emirati writers. Held alongside the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024), the retreat concluded with the launch of Tales from the House, an anthology by 10 emerging Emirati authors, published under Kalimat Group’s Rewayat imprint.

The retreat, conducted in August, offered participants an immersive experience to refine their creative writing techniques. The culmination of this journey was marked by a celebratory event attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group; His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture and Youth; and Dr. Fatima Al Breiki, Associate Professor at UAE University, who led the programme at The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah.

Speaking at the event, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi highlighted the retreat’s alignment with Kalimat Group’s mission to enrich Arabic literature and nurture creative talent, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

“At Kalimat Group, we are deeply committed to enhancing Arabic content and advancing the quality of literary works in our language. Through initiatives like the Writers’ Retreat, we aim to provide authors with the tools and environments needed to refine their craft,” Sheikha Bodour remarked.

She added, “The UAE has a rich legacy of producing influential writers and poets who have shaped the Arab literary landscape. Today, with the launch of Tales from the House, we celebrate the achievements of a new generation of storytellers. I congratulate the authors on this incredible milestone and applaud their dedication to their craft.”

For his part, His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture and Youth, said: “The Writers’ retreat is far more than a cultural event; it is a distinguished platform that brings together writers and publishers to engage, collaborate, and exchange ideas. It plays a vital role in fostering literary innovation, advancing the publishing industry, and highlighting the contributions of creatives in safeguarding national identity and Arab heritage through literature and the arts. We firmly believe that culture is the cornerstone of societal development, and nurturing literary and artistic creativity reinforces national pride and belonging. This aligns seamlessly with the vision of our wise leadership, which prioritises culture and creativity as key drivers of social and economic progress. Particularly, the creative economy is recognised as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.” 

He continued: “At the Ministry of Culture, we work with our partners to cultivate an environment that inspires innovation and promotes literary production. We aim to strengthen connections within the creative community, open new avenues for writers and publishers to collaborate, and support their growth. The Writers’ Retreat embodies Sharjah’s cultural project, which champions creative exchange at both the local and international levels, solidifying its reputation as a leading destination for culture and creativity.”

The 2nd Writers’ Retreat featured an intensive curriculum with 35 hours of workshops blending theoretical and practical approaches. Topics included plot development, character building, narrative perspective, and crafting impactful openings. Participants explored how emotions and personal experiences inform storytelling, and received expert mentorship to complete their first drafts.

The programme also featured collaborative sessions and guidance from renowned writers such as Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Bushra Khalfan, Eman Al Yousuf, Nadia Al Najjar, Hassan Al Najjar, and Jamal Al Shehhi. These sessions empowered participants to push creative boundaries and embrace storytelling as a professional art form.

During a panel discussion, the ten authors reflected on their transformative experiences at the retreat. They described how their perceptions of writing evolved, recognising it as a disciplined craft requiring dedication, courage, and authenticity. Writing, they said, is a powerful medium of expression, a “voice for the voiceless” that bridges personal and collective narratives.

Dr. Fatima Al Breiki praised the participants’ exceptional progress: “The retreat provided a nurturing space that transformed their potential into tangible achievements in just eight days. This collaboration between Kalimat Group, the Ministry of Culture, and the authors demonstrates the UAE’s dedication to fostering creative industries.”

The event concluded with the launch and signing of Tales from the House, a collection of 14 short stories. Contributors include Abeer Ahmed, Layla Al Dhaheri, Hamdan Al Ameri, Mohammed Al Ansari, Amal Abdullah, Hafsa Al Dhahnani, Shamsa Al Mulla, Ibrahim Al Yada’a, Mohammed Al Hababi, and Maryam Eisa.

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