Dubai Opens International Writers’ Centre

Last Monday, the Emirates Literature Foundation launched the Dubai International Writers’ Centre (DIWC) to “support aspiring writers and host inspiring literary events”:

The DIWC was officially opened at aceremony held in the center’s new home, located in Dubai’s al-Shindagha neighborhood. Celebrated Nigerian author Ben Okri spoke at the opening, as did Gaza-born journalist Abdul Bari Atwan.

“This is the first major initiative by the foundation and is an effort to grow the literary scene in the Emirates and the region,” Emirates Literature Foundation chief Isobel Abulhol told The National. “We plan to have not just local events, but host regional events and international conferences and open it to a much wider audience throughout the year.”

Also: “It is very important for us to support creative writing in Arabic and English, so we will be offering courses to kick-start writers who have the potential but need a little push to open their minds and create.”

According to the DIWC website, the center will offer a year-round calendar of events”catering to the multicultural and multinational communities living in the region.”

The center will be open seven days a week, and planned workshops include those on calligraphy, creative writing, Shakespeare’s poetry, and public speaking.

More about the center:

On its website

On Facebook