The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation hosted a grand book-signing event on Wednesday, May 20, in a cultural celebration marking Emirati Writer’s Day, which is observed annually on May 26, and celebrating newly published Emirati books in 2025 and 2026.

The event brought together 55 Emirati writers, symbolically marking the UAE’s 55th National Day. Attended by a large audience and authors representing different generations and literary experiences, the celebration highlighted the vitality of the UAE’s literary movement and showcased the creativity of Emirati writers.

The event was attended by His Excellency Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Foundation, Dr Fatima Al Sayegh, member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, His Excellency Khaled Al Zaabi, Consul-General of Kuwait, alongside public figures and a distinguished audience of Emirati and Arab intellectuals.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Abdul Hamid Ahmad said the success and strong public turnout of previous Emirati Writer’s Day celebrations had encouraged us to continue the initiative, with greater emphasis on the quality of published works.

He said the event aimed to provide a direct platform connecting authors and readers while strengthening the presence of Emirati literature within the broader cultural scene. “We have witnessed a significant increase in authorship activity in recent years, accompanied by remarkable publishing efforts by local publishing houses and cultural institutions, reflecting the vibrancy of the UAE’s cultural landscape,” he said.

The Secretary General underscored that the celebration reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting local publications and encouraging Emirati writers to continue producing and contributing creatively.

In conclusion, H.E. Ahmad said the Foundation had provided hundreds of free copies of newly released books to a conscious, educated audience with a passion for reading, adding that the initiative aimed to promote a culture of reading within society, support Emirati publishers and writers, and encourage them to continue their creative work in the future.

Emirati Writer’s Day is a national cultural occasion launched at the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to recognise Emirati authors and their contribution to the UAE’s cultural life.

The occasion coincides with the anniversary of the establishment of the Emirates Writers Union and seeks to highlight the role of writers in strengthening national identity and enriching the cultural landscape. It also aims to recognise Emirati authors and highlight their contributions to serving their country and community, as well as passing historical and cultural values on to future generations.

The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation has marked the occasion annually in recent years, transforming its halls into a gathering space where writers from different generations exchange ideas and experiences that enrich the UAE’s intellectual and cultural landscape.