The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has launched the Young Publisher initiative, a new programme designed to equip school students with writing and publishing skills and introduce them to the full journey of book production, from initial idea to final publication.

The initiative aims to nurture a new generation of Emirati creatives capable of turning their ideas into tangible cultural output.

As part of the programme, the centre organised six specialised workshops involving 48 students from schools across Abu Dhabi, aged between 6 and 18.

The workshops covered key aspects of the publishing process, including creative writing, story development, narrative structure, dialogue and character building, as well as language appropriate for children’s literature.

The initiative runs from November 2025 to March 2026 and will culminate in the publication of a collective book featuring selected works by participating students.

The book will be officially showcased at a dedicated pavilion during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, followed by a signing event attended by students, their families and the public.

The workshops were delivered in a progressive sequence, beginning with introductory sessions that encouraged students to express their ideas freely and develop confidence in their creative voice, before moving on to more advanced topics such as plot construction, dramatic tension, dialogue writing and character design.

The programme concluded with a workshop focusing on the distinctive language of children’s literature, highlighting clarity, simplicity and aesthetic expression suited to young readers.

Delivered in collaboration with partners from the publishing and cultural industries, the Young Publisher initiative forms part of the ALC’s preparations for the 2026 book fair. It reflects the centre’s commitment to fostering a strong connection between young generations and the Arabic language, strengthening cultural awareness and supporting the growth of the UAE’s creative industries through contemporary, future-oriented approaches.