Celebrating Emirati Women through Literature: 4 Local Authors and Artists to Know this August 28

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 August 2026:  As the UAE celebrates Emirati Women’s Day on August 28 under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better”, Emirates Literature Foundation highlights four remarkable Emirati women shaping the nation’s literary and artistic landscape. Reflecting on what they are currently working on and how their journeys embody this year’s theme, these women share perspectives on creativity, resilience and the importance of inspiring future generations through poetry, art, fiction and storytelling.

Azza Al Qubaisi

Best known as one of the UAE’s pioneering jewellery designers and artists, Azza Al Qubaisi has spent more than two decades evolving her practice from wearable art to sculpture and public art. She is currently developing new sculptural and public art projects inspired by the UAE’s natural environment, particularly the palm and exploring the relationship between material, place and memory.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” she describes her journey as one of continuity and growth, shaped by the UAE’s creative ecosystem while remaining deeply rooted in her culture, identity and the environment around her.

Nujoom Al Ghanem

Award-winning poet, author and filmmaker Nujoom Al Ghanem is one of the UAE’s most influential cultural figures. Alongside her poetry and visual arts practice, she has recently completed a feature-length non-fiction film after nearly four years of work and is preparing a new poetry collection for publication by the end of the year. With several national and international exhibitions also ahead, her creative journey continues to span multiple disciplines.

Reflecting on his year’s theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” Nujoom sees it as a lived reality, highlighting how challenging times brought communities closer together and strengthened a shared sense of belonging and collaboration.

Salha Obaid

Award-winning Emirati novelist and short story writer Salha Obaid is recognised for her insightful explorations of identity, contemporary Arab society and the female experience. Her acclaimed collections and novels have earned widespread recognition, including an Al Owais Prize for Creativity, while Circle of Spices was shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2023. Currently, Salha is working on a biographical book exploring the life and legacy of one of the UAE’s pioneering cultural figures, alongside her own fiction and initiatives that promote reading and creative writing.

Reflecting on this year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” she draws inspiration from the pioneering women who paved the way for generations to come, saying that “every step we take today makes the path a little clearer for those who will follow.”

Rawan Alyahmadi

Emirati author, illustrator and artist Rawan Alyahmadi creates stories that champion emotional wellbeing, diversity and inclusion. Best known for Athba’s Gift, a heartfelt children’s book exploring burnout and self-care, she combines thoughtful storytelling with vibrant illustrations that resonate with readers of all ages.

She is currently writing and illustrating stories featuring characters navigating anxiety, self-esteem and burnout, using her work to encourage readers to prioritise self-care and, in her words, “emerge stronger and better.” Through her creative work, she continues to promote greater awareness and understanding around emotional wellbeing and inclusion.

From established literary icons to exciting contemporary voices, these four Emirati authors and artists continue to shape the country’s vibrant literary landscape. Their stories not only preserve culture and heritage but also encourage dialogue, creativity and connection making them essential reading this Emirati Women’s Day and beyond.