Emirati Literature in a Global Age

"How is the process of globalization affecting Emirati literature?" This question and others have been recently discussed at a symposium on Emirati literature hosted by American University of Sharjah (AUS).

The symposium, entitled Emirati Literature in a Global Age, brought together prominent Emirati poets, novelists, and playwrights in dialogue with critics and scholars in order to highlight the specific characteristics of Emirati literature and its strident progress in a global age.

Prominent literary figures from the UAE and the Arab world including, Hamdah Khamis, Fatimah Abdullah, Fathiyyah al-Nimr, Salhah Ghabish, Shaykha al-Mutayri, Ali al-Sha'ali, Dr. Salih Huwaidi, Dr. Ishaq Tijani, Dr. Boutheina Khaldi, Dr. Ronak Husni, Dr. Samar Ruhi al-Faysal, 'Abd al-Fattah Sabri, Samah Kawach, Izzat Omar, and Islam Abu Shkayyir  discussed and exchanged views on culture and society and tried to address questions like: "Does Emirati literature keep up with the accelerations and upheavals of a global informational economy?" and "How much does Emirati literature sustain identity formation?"

Dr. Boutheina Khaldi, Assistant Professor from the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies, said: "The symposium fits well His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi's vision of AUS as a 'distinctive institution against the backdrop of Arab-Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.' I am very pleased with the success of this event as it engaged students and scholars with the culture of the region.