- Born in Deira, Dubai in 1935.
- Studied at the kuttab (Quran school) before joining Al Ahmadiyya School, where he studied Arabic, arithmetic and religious sciences.
- Was passionate about reading and collecting books since childhood, and enjoyed books in the fields of Arabic literature, history and biographies by renowned classical and modern writers.
- Took a post at Dubai Municipality, when it was first established in 1957, and gradually climbed up the corporate ladder to become Secretary of the Municipal Assembly and its meeting minute-taker, which helped him to practice his writing. Records of these meetings from the early 1960s are still available in his handwriting.
- Was appointed as Deputy Director of Dubai Municipality; representing the municipality at various Arab and international conferences and symposiums. He attended a number of courses on local government in Egypt and the UK. He held this position at Dubai Municipality for 22 years before leaving it in September 1979 to start his own business.
- Took part in a number of preliminary committees prior to the formation of the United Arab Emirates, such as the municipalities committee, the land and properties committee and the media committee.
- Co-founded the UAE’s first public library, Dubai Public Library, Al Fahidi museum and Akhbar Dubai magazine, becoming one of its early writers.
- Wrote hundreds of articles in newspapers, magazines and periodicals on various topics including: history, literature, criticism, thought, politics and biographies.
- Participated in numerous intellectual and cultural symposiums.
- Headed the Emirates Writers Union from 1987 to 1992.
- Co-founded the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award, and chaired its Board of Trustees for 16 years. He was honored by the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation in 2008.
- Served as Chairperson of the Emirates Human Rights Association since its establishment in 2006 and until 2015.
- He is a member of a number of societies, unions and public institutions, including:
- The Cultural and Scientific Association.
- The Arab Organization for Human Rights
- Emirates Writers’ Union
- Al Jalila Foundation
- Date Palm Friends Society
- He is considered the first literary critic in the United Arab Emirates as well as the first biographer. He is also the first author to write about books written about the UAE.
- Writes a column in Al Khaleej newspaper’s well known Ramadan supplement under the title of “Kashakeel Mulawwana” (Colored Notebooks), which brings together literature, history, criticism and Emirati heritage (since 2000).
Awards :
- Cultural Personality of the Year from the Cultural and Scientific Association in 1998.
- Tarim Omran Merit Award for pioneers in the cultural field (2007).
- Journalists’ Association Award for establishing Al Majma’
- On February 2nd, 2011, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has conferred the “Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cordon” on him for his achievements and contributions to serving local society and mankind at large and for his participation in humanitarian work and social activities.
Publications :
- Murshid Baladiyat Dubai (Dubai Municipality Guide), co-author Mr. Kamal Hamza (1961).
- Tareem Omran: Lamahat min Hayatih (Glimpses from the Life of Tareem Omran).
- Al Burda Al Mubaraka Wa Nahjaha (The Blessed Burda and following its path).
- Qira’at fee Kutub Min Al Imarat (A Reading of Books from the UAE).
- Sultan Al Owais: Al Ja’iza Wla Shi’r (Sultan Al Owais: Award and Poetry).
- Al Suwar Al Ibda’iyya fee Shi’r Sultan Al Owais (Imagery in the Poetry of Sultan Al Owais).
- Abdullah Omran Tareem: Al Shakhsiyya Al Jami’a (Abdullah Omran Tareem: the All-Rounder).
- Humoom Wataniyya (National Concerns).
- Angham min Al Wijdan (Melodies from the Heart).
- Qira’a fi Kitabai “Ru’yati” wa “Wamadat Min Fikr”lil Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid (A Reading of “My Vision” and “Flashes of Thought” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai).
- Al Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum fi Sibaq Al Zaman (His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Race against Time).
- More than one thousand manuscripts ready to be printed.