Sharjah, a vibrant center of culture and knowledge in the UAE, actively fosters a thriving literary scene, offering diverse opportunities for aspiring and established writers to connect, hone their craft, and join creative writing groups that truly nurture their artistic voice. This commitment to literary development ensures that the emirate remains a beacon for creativity and intellectual exchange, allowing us to find a supportive community for our writing journey.
University Writing Centers: Academic Support and Creative Outlets
Both the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) offer dedicated Writing Centers that serve as excellent resources for students and, in some cases, the broader community. While primarily focused on academic writing, these centers often provide workshops on various aspects of writing, including creative writing techniques. For instance, the Writing Center at the University of Sharjah aims to support students in becoming more confident and skillful writers and offers tutorials and workshops on writing in English. Similarly, the AUS Writing Center assists students with thesis development, organization, and sentence structure, and they too host workshops on diverse writing topics relevant to students’ courses. These academic settings can be a great starting point for finding structured guidance and connecting with other writers, even if your main focus is not academic. We’ve seen that their emphasis on the writing process, including peer review, is highly beneficial for creative work.
Sharjah Public Libraries: Community Hubs for Writers
The Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) are more than just repositories of books; they are vibrant community hubs that actively promote literacy and creative expression. They frequently organize a variety of workshops and literary events, some of which are specifically geared towards creative writing. For example, during the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, which is a significant annual event, SPL has offered “Creative Writing Stations” workshops, taking young writers on a journey through practical stations focusing on reading, observation, thinking, planning, and designing stories. While these might be aimed at a younger audience, they demonstrate SPL’s commitment to fostering writing skills. We recommend checking the SPL’s event calendar regularly, as they often host writing-related workshops or discussion groups for adults, aiming to bring together passionate readers and writers to exchange knowledge and experiences. Their book clubs, while not strictly writing groups, can also be a good way to meet fellow literary enthusiasts.
Sharjah Book Authority Initiatives: Fostering Literary Talent
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is a leading force in the emirate’s literary landscape, and it plays a pivotal role in nurturing creative writing through various initiatives and events. The most prominent example is the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), held annually. During SIBF, numerous creative writing workshops are conducted by acclaimed writers, industry professionals, and literary experts from around the world. These workshops cover diverse genres, from fiction and poetry to non-fiction, and often provide invaluable insights into the craft and business of writing. Beyond SIBF, the SBA spearheads other cultural projects, such as the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, which also features writing-focused programs. The SBA’s broader mission to promote culture, literature, and reading naturally extends to supporting emerging writers, making their events crucial for anyone looking to join a writing community.
House of Wisdom: A Modern Literary Nexus
The House of Wisdom in Sharjah, a futuristic cultural hub that reimagines the traditional library, is increasingly becoming a nexus for literary events and workshops, including those focused on creative writing. While it’s a newer establishment, its focus on knowledge, learning, and community engagement makes it a natural home for writing groups. We’ve seen it host various cultural programs and discussions, and it is likely to expand its offerings in creative arts. While they might not have standing “groups” in the traditional sense, they often organize workshops or short courses on storytelling, scriptwriting, or even specialized writing genres. Their commitment to innovation and fostering a love for reading and writing positions them as a key player in Sharjah’s emerging creative writing scene. Checking their official events schedule would be a smart move.
Al Qasba Writing Salon: Informal Gatherings by the Water
Al Qasba, a popular waterfront destination in Sharjah known for its leisure and entertainment options, has previously hosted creative writing salons where participants could learn different writing techniques and receive feedback on their work. These salons provided a more relaxed and informal setting for writers to connect and share their creative endeavors. While the specific frequency and format of these salons might vary, Al Qasba’s general ambiance as a community gathering spot makes it conducive to such literary meet-ups. It’s worth checking their event listings or social media for any upcoming writing-focused sessions, as these provide a fantastic opportunity for casual networking and constructive critique within a scenic environment.
Cultural Centers and Private Institutes: Diverse Learning Paths
Beyond the major institutions, various cultural centers and private educational institutes across Sharjah also offer creative writing courses and sometimes facilitate writing groups. These can include centers like the Maraya Art Centre, which provides creative writing classes that integrate art and literature for a unique learning experience. Additionally, private training institutes such as Zabeel International Institute of Management and Technology or MNR Talent and Skill Development Institute in Sharjah offer structured creative writing courses that cover everything from grammar and vocabulary to narrative craft and character development. While these might involve a fee, they provide comprehensive training and a structured environment for aspiring writers to develop their skills and connect with instructors and fellow students.
Literary Festivals and Specific Events: Transient Opportunities
Sharjah is a city that loves its festivals, and many of them, beyond just the book fair, present transient but significant opportunities for creative writers. The Sharjah Literature Festival, for instance, launched in 2025, is dedicated to celebrating literary excellence and often features panel discussions, author talks, and potentially short workshops that can serve as introductions to writing communities or offer specific writing advice. Similarly, other cultural events throughout the year might have segments dedicated to storytelling or poetry, which naturally attract individuals interested in creative writing. These events might not be “groups” in the ongoing sense, but they are excellent networking opportunities to find like-minded individuals.
Online Communities and Hybrid Models: Digital Connections
While the physical presence of writing groups is invaluable, it’s also worth noting the rise of online communities and hybrid models for creative writing in the UAE. Many writers form online groups or utilize platforms to share their work and receive feedback. Some physical groups might also incorporate online elements, allowing for greater flexibility and accessibility. Exploring local online forums or social media groups dedicated to writing in the UAE can lead to discovering these digital or hybrid communities, which can be particularly helpful for those with busy schedules or specific genre interests. These online spaces often serve as a bridge to real-world meetups once connections are established.
Finding Your Writing Niche in Sharjah
To successfully join a creative writing group or engage in writing activities in Sharjah, we recommend starting by exploring the offerings of the Sharjah Public Libraries and the Writing Centers at the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah for more structured approaches. For a broader and more diverse experience, especially during specific times of the year, immerse yourself in the Sharjah International Book Fair and the new Sharjah Literature Festival. Don’t forget to check the event schedules of the House of Wisdom and inquire with private cultural centers. Connecting with these vibrant literary hubs will help us embark on a fulfilling creative writing journey in Sharjah. This comprehensive guide was crafted by the www.few.ae team.
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