The Dubai International Writers’ Centre is dedicated to supporting storytellers at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re putting words on the page for the first time, completing a first draft of your novel’s manuscript, translating ideas across languages, illustrating a children’s book, or are practicing how to pitch your ideas with conviction and clarity, we aim to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s evolving literary and professional landscape.
Through year-round writing workshops, masterclasses, writing groups, informative talks, and professional development programmes, the Writers’ Centre offers both creative guidance and practical insight.
First founded in 2018 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Writers’ Centre’s commitment to fully supporting the written and spoken word in all its forms made it the first initiative of its kind in the region. In 2026, it returns to the heart of the historic Al Shindagha neighbourhood, one of Dubai’s most culturally significant districts, to continue that mission.
The Dubai International Writers’ Centre remains a permanent home for writers in the UAE and a dynamic hub of craft, conversation, and community where emerging and established voices alike can gather, grow, and shape the stories that define our region and reach beyond it.
Upcoming Events
Beginner
Exercise your writing muscles at Writing Gym, a casual two-hour session of writing sprints, creative challenges, prompts, and independent writing designed to get you motivated, inspired, and putting words down.
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Wednesday, 14 October 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Writing Gym
Beginner
How do you make creativity pay without losing the joy of creating? Join a panel of local creatives as they discuss community, collaboration, finance, and just what it takes to build and sustain a creative life.
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Friday, 16 October 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Making It: The Business of Creativity in the UAE
Beginner
Turn the novel you’ll write “someday” into one you’ll start this year. Join Shereen Malherbe to organise your ideas, develop a structure and create an achievable writing plan.
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Saturday, 17 October 2026 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM
How to Plan Your Novel
Beginner
Turn your ideas into a newsletter people want to read. Join Iklele Montaser to launch your Substack, find your audience, grow your community and write your first article.
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Saturday, 24 October 2026 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
How to Start a Substack: From Idea to Published Article
Past Events
Beginner
Join executive communication coach and podcast host Luca Allam for the launch of his first book, Talk Human, exploring authentic communication,
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Friday, 25 September 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Book Launch: Talk Human by Luca Allam
Beginner
What makes a book cover unforgettable? Join art director Mohammed A. Aljebouri in this interactive online workshop exploring how typography, imagery, and colour transform manuscripts into compelling visual identities.
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Friday, 25 September 2026 | 11:00 - 1:00 PM
The Art of Book Cover Design: Visual Elements That Make the Difference
Beginner
Join filmmaker and world traveller Jay Palfrey, in conversation with adventurer Nelly Attar, for the launch of The Soul That Wandered East, exploring travel, storytelling, human connection, and finding
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Saturday, 19 September 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Book Launch: The Soul That Wandered East by Jay Palfrey
Beginner
Meet like-minded people through good conversation and handwritten letters at the Sunday Letter Club. Share interests, swap recommendations, write to a stranger, and perhaps leave with the start of a friendship.
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Sunday, 6 September 2026 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM
The Sunday Letter Club
Beginner
Learn how to build a compelling Bookstagram or BookTok with influencer Eman Haikal through practical guidance on content creation, photography, branding, audience engagement, and developing your unique online voice.
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Saturday, 27 June 2026 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Creating Book Content for Social Media
Beginner
Discuss Virginia Evans' The Correspondent before taking part in a reflective letter-writing exercise inspired by its themes of connection, self-discovery, and reinvention, led by leadership coach Sadika Kebbi. Leave with meaningful conversations — and a letter and purpose of your own.
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Sunday, 21 June 2026 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Beyond the Book Club: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Beginner
Explore the craft of horror, fantasy, and science fiction through writing exercises, discussions, and literary analysis with novelist and film producer Daniela Tully in this hands-on speculative fiction workshop.
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Saturday, 13 June 2026 | 11:00 - 4:00 PM
How to Write Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy
Beginner
What makes a book cover unforgettable? Join art director Mohammed A. Aljebouri in this interactive online workshop exploring how typography, imagery, and colour transform manuscripts into compelling visual identities.
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Friday, 22 May 2026 | 10:00 - 1:00 PM
How to Design a Book Cover
Intermediate
Finished your draft? Learn how to edit, refine, and prepare your novel for submission from professional editor Flora Rees, who will join the session via Zoom. Bring your synopsis and opening chapter for a practical, supportive workshop with group discussion and feedback.
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Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM
How to Self-Edit Your Novel
Beginner
Celebrate the launch of the first issue of the UNMUTE Project’s journal. Hear from founder Mariana Missakian, join a writing exercise, connect with fellow writers, and grab your very own free copy on the night.
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Friday, 8 May 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Brave New Voices Launch with The UNMUTE Project
Discover Our Experiences
Beginner: For those starting out or returning to writing, this level builds confidence while introducing the foundations of craft, from character and structure to finding your voice.
Intermediate: For writers with some experience, this level deepens craft through focused work on narrative structure, thematic development, revision and preparing work for submission to fellowships and competitions.
Advanced: For experienced or published writers, this level offers rigorous critique and advanced manuscript development, alongside strategic insight into publication and long-term career growth.
Learn, Write, Create
From creative writing courses and poetry workshops to publishing masterclasses, manuscript development, corporate communication and public speaking training, our programmes help writers grow skills and find their voice.
Meet the Authors
Attend intimate conversations with authors, book launches and literary events in Dubai, where readers meet writers, ask questions and discover the stories behind the stories.
Connect & Collaborate
Meet fellow creatives, translators and publishing professionals at literary networking events in the UAE, building meaningful connections that support creative growth and professional development.Get in Touch
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