UAE Launches MBRSC Short Story Award to Inspire Future Sci-Fi Writers

The Emirates Literature Foundation, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), has launched the MBRSC Short Story Award: New Voices in Sci-Fi, aiming to inspire young, aspiring science fiction writers in the UAE.

Announced at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2025, the award is open to participants aged 16 to 30. Writers are invited to submit original short stories, ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 words, in either English or Arabic. The deadline for submissions is November 16, 2025.

The announcement was made during a press conference attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Salem AlMarri, Director-General of MBRSC. Also present were Isobel Abulhoul, Founder of the Emirates Literature Foundation, and Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Foundation.

Stories will be judged on originality, creativity, scientific accuracy, and narrative strength. Winners, announced at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2026, will receive a commemorative plaque, exclusive writing workshops, and a chance to have their work published in an anthology in 2027.

Dr. AlNeyadi emphasized the award's potential to inspire innovation in space exploration, while AlMarri highlighted its role in empowering young creators. Abulhoul noted the importance of nurturing young talent in science fiction, while Bolooki celebrated the historical ties between the region’s achievements in science and storytelling.

This initiative offers a platform for youth to explore the intersection of space, technology, and imagination, shaping the future of science fiction in the UAE.

News Source: Emirates News Agency