Qalam

Qalam Creative Writing Programme

Qalam Creative Writing Programmeme is a platform that nurtures Emirati talents by enhancing the skills of promising authors. It offers supportive environment to develop their talents and the opportunity to experiment in a creative lab under the guidance of experts. The workshops culminate in the publication of creative texts in Qalam publications from the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC).

Each workshop consists of a series of lectures that focus on writing techniques, artistic structure, text composition, and language check.
The supervisor of each workshop covers topics related to editing, rephrasing, and other writing techniques.
The workshop supervisor is responsible for monitoring the progress of each participant's text and providing guidance until it is ready to be published.
The ALC is committed to publishing the final creative texts within the Qalam Project publications after the evaluation of an independent committee.
The Qalam Programmeme provides authors with the opportunity to participate in cultural events organised by ALC locally and internationally.

Terms & Conditions:

Qalam Creative Writing Programme is intended for Emirati writers.
The Programme is intended for serious authors; participants must attend the full workshops and follow the instructions of the workshop supervisor.
The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Literary participation in the Programme is limited to Arabic texts only.
Participants in the workshops are selected based on their competence, as determined by an independent judging committee.
The ALC publishes the final text in accordance with a contract that guarantees the rights of all parties.
Applying to the Qalam Creative Writing Programme is a consent to appear in any promotional and media activity proposed by ALC. It is also a consent to the use of names and photos of the participants in promotional materials related to the Programme and ALC.

Accepted participants are notified via e-mail.
The selection decision is final and irrevocable.

Note:

ALC accepts receiving final creative texts for Emirati writers to be published after the evaluation of an independent judging committee.

Reach out to Qalam Creative Writing Programme team via email [email protected]

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Poetic Rhythms

A specialised workshop with Abdulrahman Al Hemeiri and the Fa'oolun platform.

The Qalam Creative Writing Programme at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre presents the “Poetic Rhythms” workshop, led by Abdulrahman Al Hemeiri, Prince of Poets 2025.

An immersive learning journey amid nature, between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, exploring the worlds of poetry and contemporary forms of expression.

The workshop equips Emirati participants interested in poetry writing with the knowledge needed to write different forms of poetry. Including practical exercises designed to develop mastery of rhythm, musicality and poetic imagery, stimulate the imagination, and support participants in creating inspiring poems.

Dates: 23 October–12 December

Time: 4:00–8:00 p.m.

Eight in-person sessions and a closing poetry evening featuring a prominent poet.

Registration deadline: 15 October

Workshop venues will be shared with successful applicants after the submissions have been reviewed.