So you want to write a novel, but you don’t know how to start? Taking a creative-writing class or joining a group would be the obvious course of action. The problem, however, is that there are surprisingly few here in the UAE. This could be explained in part by the lack of a literature scene until recently, given that the Emirati culture of storytelling is mainly oral. And while poetry is a popular literary form, there is little or no tradition of writing novels and short stories.
Still, there are a few such options scattered around the country, reflecting a literature scene that is growing and prospering in the -country.
New York University Abu Dhabi offers a creative writing course, but it’s only open to full-time students.
Dubomedy Arts runs a four-week course every year that changes between writing for stage, scriptwriting, poetry and creative writing, which is the focus this year. This year the course begins on November 3.
And while there are a number of ad hoc “meet-up” groups – some of which are based around writing both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – when it comes to learning how to write a novel, there is little to chose from.
It’s a problem Charlotte Smith, an arts journalist from the UK, encountered more than a year ago.
“I had already studied writing but I wanted to meet like-minded people – other writers,” she says.
Discovering the lack of creative-writing courses available in the UAE, and having graduated from such a course back in the UK, she was motivated to start her own.
“I realised I was qualified to do it and there was a real need for it here in Dubai, so I thought, why not?” she says.
The course is offered once a week over eight weeks, taking place at Ductac in Mall of the Emirates. It involves sessions of two hours at a time in which 10 people are taught the basics of creative writing in a fun and creative environment.
In fact, it has become so popular that Smith now has a waiting list of 20 people. Her second course, which started last month, is also fully booked. She plans to start an advanced course in January, as well as a course for young adults.
“I cater for all age groups and we have a great mix of nationalities,” she says. “What’s more, you don’t need to have had anything published to join the class. Some people come with novels half-finished; some are writers who have developed a block; or people who write journals or blogs. The level varies, but generally an interest in writing is in itself enough.”
She points out that she’s aware that not everyone can be taught to write brilliantly, but regardless, they can be taught the basics.
“Not everyone is destined to be a novelist but I can teach people how to go about it and they can enjoy the process. In the first class, for example, we focus on the ‘right to write’. Over the course of eight weeks, people learn how to develop a skeleton framework for writing short stories and a novel.
“We cover memory, structure, plot, character development and we examine examples of both good and bad writing. I get the students to work in small groups and to critique each other’s writing. The results are usually great and it’s very rewarding. I have had such good feedback from the people who have taken part.”
Although none of her pupils has yet been published, a number write regular blogs and are in the process of completing novels.
Among these students is 23-year-old Fatma Al Bannai, an Emirati who grew up in Dubai and completed the course last year.
“It’s so rare to find a genuine creative-writing course in Dubai,” she says. “When I saw it advertised, I signed up immediately and it was a great experience from start to -finish.”
Al Bannai has always dabbled in writing, experimenting with different genres including short stories. She had written a novel before taking the course, but had never published anything.
“I was hoping the class would help me hone my writing skills,” she says. “And it certainly did. It gave me an insight into where I was going wrong and I found Charlotte very encouraging. What’s more, I met other writers and saw what they were doing. It was really interesting and I would encourage anyone to do it.”
Al Bannai is at work on another novel, one she hopes will be -published.
“It’s a book for young adults in a historical setting and part fantasy,” she explains. “I wanted to write something that featured young Emirati heroes and heroines because I realised that there was nothing like it and it’s a genre which is fast becoming popular. It’s almost finished now and the creative-writing course has really helped me.”
• For more information on the creative-writing course, email
Charlotte Smith at charly2uk@yahoo.co.uk
The biog
Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The biog
Favourite Quote: “Real victories are those that protect human life, not those that result from its destruction emerge from its ashes,” by The late king Hussain of Jordan.
Favourite Hobby: Writing and cooking
Favourite Book: The Prophet by Gibran Khalil Gibran
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
