A Milestone Moment for Young Storytellers
Voices of Future Generations for the Middle East marked a significant milestone with a vibrant award ceremony celebrating the winners of its fifth annual writing competition. Held at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University, the event honoured the exceptional student authors whose stories captured the judges’ hearts, alongside their teachers, families, and the talented illustrators who brought their words to life.
This celebration reflects not only the achievements of the young writers but also the dedication of the educators and the enduring impact of the programme, which continues to inspire creativity and global citizenship across the region.
Celebrating Excellence Across Borders
The ceremony was presided over by HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Goodwill Ambassador for Voices of Future Generations in the region. The event also welcomed esteemed dignitaries, including:
- HE Robert Raines, Consul General, US Consulate
- HE Alison Hall, Deputy Consul General, British Embassy
- HE Aisha Miran, Director General, KHDA
- Dr Rafia Ghubash, Founder of the Women’s Museum
- Dr Saeed Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
- Dr Amel Al-Qahtani, Domain Director, UAE Ministry of Education
- Isobel Abulhoul OBE, Founder, Advisor, and Trustee of Emirates Literature Foundation
A Night of Inspiration and Talent
Hosted by charismatic previous winners Khouloud Marwan Saleh and Mir Faraz, the ceremony featured awards across eleven categories, celebrating creativity in both Arabic and English. The evening also included a moving poetry recital by Abdulkareem Ghazal and a captivating performance by the Pristine Private School choir, adding a powerful artistic dimension to the celebrations.
This year’s event not only recognised young authors but also celebrated the mentors and families who supported their journeys, making it a true tribute to storytelling, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Empowering Future Leaders
HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed her immense pride in the programme’s growth: “Since its introduction in the region, it has been truly rewarding to witness the Voices of Future Generations competition go from strength to strength. The surge in participation, the exceptional quality of the stories, and the unwavering enthusiasm of the students I meet reaffirm the crucial role initiatives like this play in empowering the future leaders of tomorrow. My congratulations to our authors and to their parents and teachers for their achievements.”
The Winners
Winners in the English category:
- The Blue Pearl Awakening by Mohammed Hamdan Siddiqui from Gems Founders School
- My Dreams Are Drawn on Paper by Jenine El Azzami from Raha International School
- The Radicle Revolution by Rayshal Tharun Harshal from Delhi Private School
Winner in the Arabic category:
- Labiba and the Magic Colours by Lujain Wissam Al Halabi from Al Mawakeb Al Garhoud
- A True Eye by Assil Hassan Abdelnabi Ibrahim Mohamed from Al Zallaqa School
- In the Arms of a Cloud by Aisha Humaid Obaid Al Khayyal from Al Manar Model Girls School
Jennifer Malton, Director of Voices of Future Generations in the Middle East, emphasised the significance of this milestone: “Celebrating five years of VoFG is a pivotal moment for us. We are determined to build upon the success of this initiative which has empowered our students to create compelling narratives to address global challenges with unparalleled creativity and passion. At the same time, we want to embrace innovation and create fresh opportunities for stakeholders, like our dedicated teachers.”
Outstanding Achievements Recognised
Since its launch in the Middle East in 2019, Voices of Future Generations has given a platform to over 100 published student authors, selected from 4,309 submissions across 923 schools spanning all seven emirates. Each year, the programme continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers to use their creativity as a force for positive change.
Organised by the Emirates Literature Foundation under the patronage of HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East, the initiative reflects UNESCO’s mission to foster cultural understanding and sustainable thinking. Originally launched in Canada in 2014, the competition empowers children to express their hopes, dreams, and aspirations for a more sustainable, inclusive world through the art of storytelling.
Celebrated on a Global Stage
The success of the initiative has not gone unnoticed. Voices of Future Generations was awarded Best CSR Programme for Education at the GESS Education Awards 2023 and is once again shortlisted for the 2024 edition.
Each year, the competition invites children aged 8–12 years across the Gulf region — including those in homeschooling — to submit 600–1,500 word adventure stories in either Arabic or English. These tales explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of youthful imagination, featuring characters who overcome obstacles to create a more tolerant and sustainable future.
The best entries are professionally published, featured in a bilingual anthology, and made available internationally, giving young writers a global stage to share their voices.
Looking Ahead: Round 6 and New Teacher Awards
With registrations for Round 6 now open, submissions will be accepted from 1 December 2024 to 31 May 2025 via vofg.vofgarabia.org.
For the first time, the Teacher Champion Awards will debut as part of the 2025 celebrations. These awards will recognise educators who champion creative writing initiatives in their schools, providing them with resources, toolkits, and professional development opportunities. Teacher Champions will be honoured at the inaugural Voices of Future Generations Teacher Champion Awards Ceremony, celebrating their pivotal role in nurturing the region’s next generation of storytellers.
For out more information about the Emirates Literature Foundation,