Sci-fi story competition announced for writers in the UAE

Launched in association with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, the contest invites young authors to dream big

The sci-fi short story competition is open to writers aged 16 to 30 and entries can be in English or Arabic. Photo: Getty

The Emirates Literature Foundation on Thursday announced, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, the launch of a science fiction short story competition for emerging authors in the UAE.

The MBRSC Short Story Award: New Voices in Sci-Fi is open to writers in Arabic and English. The competition aims to inspire and foster a new generation of science fiction writers and to celebrate the writing talent and creative potential that already exists in the country.

“This is more than a platform for recognition, it’s a way to encourage writers to see their voices as vital contributors to a global conversation,” Ahlam Bolooki, chief executive of Emirates Literature Foundation, director of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and managing director of ELF Publishing, tells The National.

“We’re creating a space for them to dream big, imagine boldly, and put their ideas out into the world. This award isn’t just about finding the best story – it’s about fostering a community of writers who can inspire one another, learn from one another, and grow together.”

Ahlam Bolooki, chief executive of Emirates Literature Foundation and director of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, says there are strong connections between sci-fi and the UAE's journey. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

Bolooki says the competition will also be about showing aspiring writers that their unique perspectives matter and that with the right support, their creativity and careers can thrive.

MBRSC Short Story Award: New Voices in Sci-Fi is open to writers aged 16 to 30. They can enter original stories in English or Arabic, between 1,500 and 5,000 words long, until November 16. The initiative was announced on the second day of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which runs until February 3 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

All entries will be read by a panel of judges, including a yet-to-be-announced renowned science fiction author. The short stories will be judged on originality, creativity, scientific accuracy, narrative strength, character development and overall literary merit.

The winners will be announced at next year’s Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, where they will receive a plaque, be enrolled for creative writing workshops and receive access to festival sessions. The winning stories will also be published in an anthology which will be launched at the 2027 festival.

Bolooki says the short story competition not only values bold ideas but will seek them out. “Sci-fi is such a powerful genre because it dares to imagine what the future could look like and challenges us to think beyond our current limitations,” she says. “It’s not just about fictional worlds; it’s about shaping real possibilities.”

Bolooki also adds that the genre is connected to the UAE's story. “For the UAE, a small country with truly big ambitions, sci-fi resonates deeply with our journey. We’ve accomplished extraordinary milestones, from the Hope Probe’s historic mission to Mars to our focus on building a thriving space industry that contributes to global advancements. These achievements represent a bold vision for the future – a vision that sci-fi is crucial. The genre not only complements the UAE’s innovative spirit but also inspires a new generation to see themselves as contributors to humanity’s story of exploration.”

While the ambitions of the genre and themes of science fiction are big, so too is the potential for what the competition can achieve for UAE writing community.

“This award isn’t just about science fiction – it’s about shaping the future of storytelling,” Bolooki says. “It’s an opportunity to use storytelling as a way to connect innovation with humanity, blending creativity with the real-world breakthroughs happening here in the UAE.”

For all competition details visit: www.elfdubai.org