ALECGS Unveils Inaugural Poetry & Story Competition in Sharjah

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the competition is a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates. Talented students from member countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, are expected to participate.

The competition aligns with the center's dedication to identifying the linguistic potential and abilities of talented students based on specific criteria in the domains of poetry, story, and novel. It coincides with ongoing endeavorus in Arabic language (poetry, story, and novel) for students from member countries. The competition is organised and overseen by ALECGS as part of its programmes for the academic year (1444/1445 H, corresponding to 2023/2024 AD).

The primary objective of the competition is to offer support to talents related to the promotion of the Arabic language and contribute to the advancement of Arabic language education and learning. This was discussed during a press conference held yesterday at the centre's headquarters, attended by Dr. Issa Saleh Al Hamadi, the Director of the Educational Center for Gulf Arabic Language, Dr. Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of Arabic Language Academy, and a member of the scientific committee overseeing the competition. Adel Wahib, Director of Programme Management ALECGS, was also present, along with a diverse group of invited guests and representatives from the center's partners.

During the press briefing, Dr. Issa Saleh Al-Hamadi underscored the importance of the competition, which is being held under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, from March 2nd to 4th, 2024.

He pointed out that the competition's objectives include showcasing the artistic aspects of the Arabic language, fostering loyalty and affinity towards the Arabic language among young individuals, and promoting cultural exchange among member countries of the office. Al-Hamadi clarified that, in its inaugural edition, the competition will focus on identifying talented students in poetry, storytelling, and novel writing in member countries, encouraging a culture of competition and excellence among them.

He mentioned that the centre will convene an impartial scientific committee from outside the Gulf States to ensure fairness and transparency in judging the competition. Each Gulf country will nominate three students to partake in the competition. Dr. Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi highlighted that the competition encompasses the categories of poetry, story, and novel writing, with specific conditions to ensure there are no ideological deviations, violations of beliefs, or breaches of laws and customs prevalent in Gulf societies. Furthermore, the literary work submitted should be an original creation by the participant.

Dr. Al Mosteghanemi stressed that the literary work should not have previously won in any competition, requiring a written declaration to affirm this. Any violations would result in the disqualification of the literary work. He noted that the competition significantly contributes to enhancing the linguistic appreciation of Gulf students.

Adel Wahib, the Director of Programme Management at ALECGS, elucidated that the competitions will be held at the center's headquarters, revealing promising talents from the Gulf through oral assessments following the evaluation of literary works in recent days. He clarified that the specific requirements of the competition are in line with its objectives and ensure linguistic coherence.