The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) is organising a specialised workshop titled “Writing for Children” from 27 September to 6 December 2025, as part of its Qalam Creative Writing Programme for Emirati writers.

The 10-week workshop aims to equip participants with advanced techniques for writing children’s literature, covering foundational and creative skills such as age-appropriate storytelling, narrative planning, character development, suspense-building, and story structure. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice in a creative lab environment, where participants will refine their ideas and draft a complete children’s story for publication after the workshop.

The sessions will led by Nadia Al Najjar, an Emirati writer and novelist who has published more than 11 books for children. Her works have won multiple awards and have been shortlisted for prestigious prizes including the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, Al Owais Creative Award, the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), and inclusion in the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honour List.

To register, participants must be Emirati nationals aged 18 or over  with demonstrated storytelling skills. Selection will be determined by an independent judging panel based on established criteria, and participants' final works will be published by the ALC under a contract safeguarding all parties’ rights involved. Applicants must submit personal details and writing samples via the ALC’s online registration form by 24 September 2025.

The Qalam Creative Writing Programme is a flagship initiative of the Arabic Language Centre,  designed to nurture national talent, empower Emirati writers and artists, and enrich the Arab cultural landscape through expert-led workshops.