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Emirates Novel Award in partnership with twofour54 creative lab today launched a creative writing programme to teach aspiring novelists writing techniques, and encourage imagination and creativity. The new training programme was launched during a media round table held at the #thelab on twofour54’s campus.

The programme, scheduled to start in February, will enable 20 Emiratis – selected from applications from the general public – to be trained by well-known Arab authors in novel writing techniques to help them write high-quality, creative novels that appeal to Arab audiences.

Training will take place in Arabic over eight months at #thelab, twofour54 creative lab’s dedicated community space.

At the media roundtable, Jamal Al Shehhi, the Secretary General of the Emirates Novel Award, invited talented Emirati writers to take up the challenge and show Arabic readers what they can do. He said that the course is open to Emiratis of all ages and it is a golden opportunity for them to develop their writing and publishing skills to new levels and expose their talents to the world.

Fatima Al Yousef, Community Management Associate at creative lab, said: “This initiative is supplements our mission to support emerging creative talents in the UAE. creative lab is looking forward to learning about gifted writers through our involvement in the selection committee.”

By the end of the programme, the trainees will have produced novels for publishing and entry into next year’s Emirates Novel Award. The creative lab community will contribute in identifying illustrators to work with the authors to develop book covers to present their work in a visually appealing way. To develop their portfolios, the trainee novelists’ biographies will be uploaded to creative lab’s new digital platform – an online platform for where members can publicise projects, seek collaborators, and display their skills and experiences to talent agencies and the public.

The 20 trainees will be selected by committee based on their previous experience, writing ability, commitment and availability. The course will be delivered on minimal fees of just 500 dirhams and candidates should apply to info@emiratesnovelaward.com.

Upon completing the training programme, Emirates Novel Award and twofour54’s creative lab will host a graduation ceremony for all writers at #thelab.

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