When Heritage Speaks to the Future: The New Wave of Emirati StorytellersCelebrating creativity, identity, and imagination this UAE National Day
At the Emirates Literature Foundation, we believe that stories are the soul of our Union, capturing the dreams, identity, and endless curiosity that define the UAE. As the UAE marks its 54th National Day, we celebrate the thinkers and creators whose words shape our cultural landscape, honouring a legacy built on vision and story.
Across poetry, fiction, media, and publishing, these seven Emirati talents are the heart of a nation where creativity thrives, and every voice is cherished. Our treasured folklore to boldly pioneering Arabic science fiction, they are redefining what it means to create in a nation.
1. Dr. Sultan Al Amimi – The Guardian of Emirati Folklore
A poet, novelist, and cultural historian, Dr. Sultan Al Amimi is a living bridge between the UAE’s past and present. As Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union and Director of the Poetry Academy in Abu Dhabi, his work ensures that the authentic rhythms and expressions of Emirati life continue to resonate deeply with future generations.
His acclaimed novels The Shabouri Journey 1936 and P.B. 1003 blend oral history with narrative craft, offering an authentic reflection of a nation in motion.
2. Dr. Shihab Ghanem – The Poet-Engineer of Global Peace
An engineer and a poet , Dr. Shihab Ghanem embodies the elegant meeting of intellect and art. An author of over 100 books, his work, translated into more than 20 languages, champions unity and harmony. Recognised with the Tagore Peace Award and the UAE Cultural Personality of the Year, his poetry speaks to our shared humanity, proving that creativity transcends borders.
3. Nadia Al Najjar – The Voice of Contemporary Emirati Fiction
Award-winning author Nadia Al Najjar brings an analytical mind and a storyteller’s heart to her craft. With novels such as Texture of Light, she explores the intersections of memory, identity, and modernity, often reflecting on the crucial balance between tradition and progress in Emirati life. Her achievements, including the Emirates Novel Award and Sharjah Book Fair Award, cement her as one of the leading figures in contemporary Arabic literature.
4. Fatima Al Mazrouei – The Historian with a Poet’s Heart
As Head of Historical Archives at the National Archives and Library, Fatima Al Mazrouei safeguards the UAE’s collective memory. Beyond the archives, she channels that enthusiasm for history into her creative writing. Her novels and poetry collections, including Al-Atama (The Darkness) and My Other Story, combine historical insight with emotional depth. With over 20 published works and nine major literary awards, she continues to highlight the link between heritage and boundless imagination.
5. Safia Al Shehi – The Voice of a Generation
Known to many as the official voice of Expo 2020 Dubai, Safia Al Shehi has built a career that brings together media, literature, and mentorship. With more than two decades in broadcasting and communication, she has inspired countless audiences. Her books, You Are in Seasons and Behind the Microphone, reflect her belief in the power of storytelling to nurture empathy.
6. Maryam Al Zarooni – Poetry that Transcends Borders
A poet, novelist, and literary advocate, Maryam Al Zarooni writes with elegance and purpose. Her collection It No Longer Matters won international acclaim following its Spanish translation, while her novel A Letter from Harvard earned the Al Owais Prize for Creativity. Through her writing and translation work, she builds and connects cultures, showing how Emirati literature can spark conversations far beyond the Gulf.
7. Noura Al Noman – The Pioneer of Arabic Science Fiction
When Noura Al Noman published Ajwan, she didn’t just win the Etisalat Award for Best Young Adult Novel, she boldly carved a new galaxy for Arabic storytelling. Her publishing house, Makhtoota 5229, continues to champion regional voices in science fiction, fantasy, and speculative writing, carving out a new space for imagination in the Arab world. Her stories inspire young readers to dream bigger, explore further, and believe that creativity has no limits.
From safeguarding heritage to exploring new creative frontiers, these remarkable individuals represent the vibrant, growing heart of the UAE’s culture. This is a place where innovation and identity coexist, and where every authentic story adds to the powerful collective narrative of the nation’s progress. As we celebrate the spirit of the Union this National Day, their profound work reminds us that creativity is not just art, it’s the essential foundation of the nation’s vision and success.
