The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature welcomed the launch of the fourth Young Voices of Arabia anthology, celebrated in the presence of HH Sheikh Hissa bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Goodwill Ambassador for Voices of Future Generations.
This year’s edition showcases 20 inspiring stories written by the 2023 competition winners, brought to life with vibrant illustrations by talented local artists. Together, these young authors and illustrators capture the imagination and creativity of the UAE’s next generation of storytellers.
HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Voices of Future Generations Goodwill Ambassador, said: “I am so impressed by these young authors, and the dedication, passion, and skill they have put into these stories. Let’s make sure their voices are heard as they advocate for sustainability and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. I know they will inspire positive change and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive world.”
Young Authors and Musicians Shine at Young Voices of Arabia Launch
The launch of the fourth Young Voices of Arabia anthology was not just a celebration of literature but also a showcase of young talent. The event was hosted by previous competition winners Abdulkareem Ismat Isam Ghazal and Mohammed Hamzah Siddiqi, whose energy brought the gathering to life.
Adding to the magic, the Repton Al Barsha Primary School Choir, under the direction of Yousef Khan, Head of Music, delivered a spellbinding performance of Child of the Ocean, a moving composition by Shammi Pithia. The performance featured a talented ensemble of musicians — Danial Sayani, Durri Zahir, Omar Ali, Rahim Esmaïl, Preetha Narayanan, and Shammi Pithia — and was made possible through the generosity of Prince Hussain Aga Khan, Focused on Nature, and the Ismaili Community Ensemble (UK).
Stories with Purpose and Hope
The anthology itself celebrates 20 winning stories from the Voices of Future Generations for the Middle East competition (2023). Professionally edited and translated, the book allows readers to enjoy each story in both Arabic and English. Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the stories reflect the young authors’ visions for a more sustainable and hopeful future.
The day was made even more special as first-place winners Yusuf Abu Issa and Mir Faraz took to the stage, reading excerpts from their winning stories in both languages, giving the audience a heartfelt glimpse into their creative journeys.
“At the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, we are thrilled to witness the culmination of creativity and vision in the fourth Young Voices of Arabia anthology. We are grateful to HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for gracing the book launch today, which celebrates the power of storytelling to inspire positive change,” said Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of Emirates Literature Foundation, Director of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Managing Director of ELF Publishing. “This event holds special significance, coming on the heels of COP28, hosted right here in the UAE. It reinforces our commitment to sustainability, echoing the global conversations held during the conference. This event is not just a book launch but a celebration of the boundless potential that lies within the written word, symbolising our continued commitment to shaping a brighter tomorrow.”
Nurturing Sustainability Through Storytelling
Voices of Future Generations is a unique creative writing initiative launched under the patronage of UNESCO and supported by HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East. This inspiring programme empowers children to express their hopes, dreams, and aspirations for a sustainable future, while promoting awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
First introduced to the Middle East in 2019, with support from the Emirates Literature Foundation, the initiative has become a platform for the region’s young voices to share powerful, imaginative visions of a better tomorrow.
2024 Competition Now Open for Young Writers
The Voices of Future Generations 2024 competition is officially open to all children aged 8 to 12 living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. Budding authors can submit stories in Arabic or English, between 600 and 1,500 words, that reflect their ideas for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Each entry must incorporate at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as part of the narrative, encouraging children to connect their creativity with real-world issues.
The anthology is available to download from the website, vofg.vofgarabia.org/books.
Uniting Global Voices in Dubai
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the Arab region’s largest celebration of stories and one of the world’s top literary festivals, concluded on 6 February 2024. Over the course of the event, more than 150 of the world’s most acclaimed writers, thinkers, and cultural icons gathered at InterContinental Festival City to share ideas, ignite imaginations, and celebrate the power of words.
A Festival with Vision and Legacy
Held in partnership with Founding Partners Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Festival continues to be a beacon for literature, arts, and cultural exchange in the UAE. Taking place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Festival has solidified Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for creativity and storytelling.
For more information on the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, visit their website, and for the latest updates on the upcoming Festival, follow @EmiratesLitFest on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and LinkedIn.