The UAE Media Council, during its participation in the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair, announced the launch of the 'First Publication' program. This is a qualitative initiative aimed at enabling Emirati creators to publish and fully finance their first works, supporting them in transforming their outstanding ideas into leading creative projects. The program aims to enhance the presence of the Emirati writer on the creative scene by increasing literary production and diversifying publications, as well as enriching the Emirati library with new and diverse works in the fields of literature and thought. The program targets Emirati writers who have not previously published any printed works from various fields of literary creativity, including the novel, short story, poetry, children's literature, and other creative works, opening new horizons for them in the world of professional publishing and writing. The 'First Publication' program aligns with the Council's direction to build an integrated ecosystem for developing Emirati content and supporting local talents at various publishing stages; from review, editing, and design to printing and distribution. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamad, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Media Council, stated that the UAE is a hub for creativity and a launchpad for creators to achieve their ambitions and write their success stories. He emphasized that institutionalizing support for promising talents is a firmly rooted approach, in which national institutions collaborate to provide an environment that stimulates creativity and sustains its growth. He added that the launch of the 'First Publication' program embodies the UAE Media Council's commitment to empowering the Emirati creator, giving them a practical platform to turn their idea into a complete publishing experience that contributes to enhancing local content. He confirmed that the program reflects the Council's vision of building a national base of young writers and creators capable of competing regionally and globally. He explained that the 'First Publication' program is a national platform to empower emerging Emirati talents in the fields of thought and creativity, a partner for every talent that carries an idea worthy of being brought to light, and a support for the Emirati creator on their first journey towards literary and intellectual production. It reflects the UAE's confidence in its youth's abilities and its keenness to transform individual creativity into a national creative energy, contributing its children's efforts to enriching knowledge and shaping the future. To apply, the author must be a citizen of the UAE, the work must be original and not copied or adapted, and it must not have been previously published in print or digitally. Applications from institutions or publishing houses will not be accepted, and the book's content must comply with the approved media content standards in the country. Interested parties can fill out the electronic application form on the UAE Media Council's website, which includes the author's personal data, a brief biography, the book's title and type, and a summary of the work (within 300 words), in addition to attaching an electronic copy of the manuscript and required documents. Applications for the 'First Publication' program can be submitted after meeting all requirements via the following link on the UAE Media Council's website.
