Government

The Dubai International Program for Writing (DIPW), a flagship initiative of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), continued to strengthen the regional and global knowledge landscape in 2025, recording significant achievements in youth engagement, literary development and cultural outreach.

Launched in 2013, DIPW aims to support Emirati and Arab writers while stimulating intellectual and literary movements across the Arab world and beyond. The programme operates across four core pillars: creative writing, writer exchange, the My Story competition, and translation. These are supported by complementary knowledge initiatives such as Knowledge Lounge and My Family is Reading.

During 2025, DIPW reached more than 102,000 participants worldwide, with the majority being young people. Over 85,000 participants aged between 10 and 35 were engaged across the UAE, while the programme’s international footprint extended to Jordan, Egypt, Australia, Canada and Germany through workshops, reading circles and interactive discussions.

In Germany, DIPW empowered around 2,500 young writers, coinciding with its participation at the Frankfurt International Book Fair. A series of workshops and interactive sessions were held during the event, attracting strong attendance and media coverage.

Among the programme’s key achievements in 2025 was the receipt of more than 800 enrolment applications, from which 85 trainees were selected for specialised projects. DIPW also organised five training workshops delivered by six professional trainers, resulting in the publication of six new books by emerging authors.

As part of its efforts to promote reading and knowledge dissemination, the My Family is Reading initiative distributed more than 60,000 books across a wide range of genres, including family literature, novels, children’s books, leadership, personal development and literary criticism.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said DIPW reflects the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based society by empowering Arab youth to develop creative and literary skills while enhancing their global presence. He noted that the programme’s integrated approach — combining professional training, knowledge production and international engagement — reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for knowledge and culture.

In addition, DIPW expanded its societal impact through the Knowledge Lounge initiative, which hosted more than 300 sessions and interactive events attended by nearly 15,000 participants. Over 80 writers and trainers contributed to these sessions, sharing expertise and insights with diverse audiences. The initiative continues to hold weekly activities across the UAE and several Arab countries, serving as a sustainable platform for literary dialogue and community engagement.

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