Yesterday, the winners of the «Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre» Short Story Prize for Science Fiction: «New Voices in Science Fiction» were announced. This is a prestigious writing competition for promising writers in the United Arab Emirates. The Emirates Literature Foundation, in collaboration with the «Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre», encouraged ambitious authors to create original and thought-provoking science fiction stories. The stories covered a wide range of topics, from space exploration and time travel to advanced technology, future civilizations, and robot-based societies. The competition accepted submissions in both Arabic and English, inviting writers to imagine new worlds filled with intergalactic adventures and to showcase their storytelling skills and creative vision.
In the Arabic category for the 16-21 age group, the winners were Haya Azzi, Soudais Obaid, and Hessa Humoud Al Shamsi. A special commendation was awarded to Sheikha Khalifa Rashid Ali Al Ameri. For the 22-30 age group, the winners were Kaltham Al Blooshi, Mohammad Al Suwaidi, and Basel Khairi. In the 31-40 age group, the winners were Nabeel Akram Al Razy, Ghada Hassan Mohammad Saeef Al Murshedi, and Maitha Al Kaabi, with a special commendation to Salma Al Nuwais.
The winning writers will have the opportunity to develop their skills through workshops led by experts. Selected stories will then be published in the region's first specialized science fiction literary magazine, marking a significant milestone in their literary careers. Winners of «Special Commendations» will receive certificates of appreciation at the award ceremony.
«This prize comes from our firm belief that science fiction serves as a fundamental gateway to stimulate scientific creativity, foster a culture of innovation, and connect literature with science, technology, and space exploration,» said General Director of the «Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre», Salem Humaid Al Marri. «Through this initiative, we aim to empower promising writers in the UAE, providing them with a platform to express their ideas and future visions, and to hone their creative skills, thereby contributing to building a generation capable of imagining the future and participating in its creation».
«Our hearts swell with pride as we see our heroes, such as Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansoori, paving the way for our children towards the stars, not just as astronauts, but as a role model proving to us that the sky is the beginning of our ambitions,» said CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Ahlam Belooshi. «Today, we see this inspiration embodied in our writers, citizens and residents, who have made the UAE a launchpad for their imagination, and they are now writing the stories of the next generation in science fiction. At our foundation, we always have our sights set on bridging the gaps in the local publishing sector, and we cannot but express our utmost gratitude to our partners at the «Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre»».
The judging panel, which included Philippe Rivière, Yi-Hua Hannah, and Amina Mohammad Al Neymi, evaluated the submissions based on the following criteria: originality, scientific basis, narrative strength, and stylistic quality.
Salem Humaid Al Marri: «Science fiction serves as a fundamental gateway to stimulate scientific creativity».
Ahlam Belooshi: «We always have our sights set on bridging the gaps in the local publishing sector».
