UAE Cultural Competitions 2025: How Emirati Children and Youth Can Participate

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering culture.

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Image Source: KARIM SAHIB

Official Launch

On May 28, 2025, the UAE Ministry of Culture (MoC), in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, officially launched the Cultural Competitions for Emirati Children and Youth at the Ministry’s Cultural and Creative Centres.

The initiative was announced as part of the nationwide celebrations for Emirati Children’s Day, under the theme “National Identity and Emirati Culture.” Its purpose is to strengthen cultural identity among children, encourage engagement in literary and knowledge-based activities, and instill national values in future generations.

Who Can Participate

• The competitions are open to Emirati children aged 8–12.

• Categories include poetry (both Nabati and classical) and short story writing.

• Submissions are designed to highlight creativity while deepening appreciation for the Arabic language, Emirati traditions, and storytelling heritage.

Leadership Statements

• H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the competitions are part of the Ministry’s wider efforts to cultivate talent across all age groups and enrich the UAE’s cultural landscape.

• H.E. Al Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, explained that the competitions are part of the year-long celebrations for Emirati Children’s Day under the theme “The Right to Identity and National Culture.”

Purpose and Vision

The competitions aim to:

• Inspire children to express themselves through literature and poetry.

• Strengthen national identity and pride in Emirati culture.

• Encourage early appreciation of the Arabic language and its poetic traditions.

• Provide a platform for children to develop confidence and creativity.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of building a knowledge-based society and ensuring that cultural identity remains central to national development.

The UAE Cultural Competitions 2025 are not hypothetical — they are an officially launched program. By focusing on children aged 8–12 and emphasizing poetry and storytelling, the initiative ensures that the youngest generation is actively engaged in preserving and celebrating Emirati culture while developing their creative voices.