MBRF launches first phase of ‘Writers Exchange’ programme

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) yesterday announced the official launch of the first phase of its Dubai International Programme for Writing, ‘Writers Exchange' between the UAE and Japan in partnership with Japan Arts and Culture Foundation.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Dubai, and as part of the exchange programme, two male and two female writers have been selected from the UAE and Japan who will stay for a while in each other's countries, where they will get opportunities to exchange ideas based on their respective cultures and introduce their works. On completion of their visits, the writers will narrate their experience to their readers through works in Arabic or Japanese.
Speaking on the occasion, Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said, "The launch of the first phase of the Writers Exchange programme between the UAE and Japan is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen the process of knowledge transfer and empower young Arab talents to develop their skills in order to enhance the contribution of Arab literature and creativity to the literary world." "The Writers Exchange programme partnership has been conceived with the idea of enabling writers to understand other cultures and inspire each other. Writers taking part in the programme will be able to communicate their experience and understanding to their readers. We are focusing more on outcome of the exchange programme, which is based on the first-hand experience of other cultures, as we believe that experience has a long term impact," Jamal bin Huwaireb added.
Commenting on the launch of the programme, Yusaku Imamura, senior advisor to the Japan Arts and Culture Foundation, said, "The Writers Exchange Programme offers a new horizon of cultural exchange between the UAE and Japan. We are very happy and honoured to work with MBRF on this very important exchange programme. Japan and the UAE have many exchanges in the field of business, but until now we did not have significant official cultural exchanges. I hope this programme will be a great opportunity to set the pace for more cultural exchanges between the UAE and Japan." The writers from the UAE, taking part in the programme are Al Hanoof Mohammed, Muhsin Suleiman, Talal Salim Al-Sabri, and Mariam Al Saedi.
During their stay in the UAE, the Japanese writers will meet MBRF officials and UAE writers. They will also visit key literary and cultural organisations such as Emirates Writers Union in Sharjah and Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation.
Dubai International Programme for Writing was established by MBRF to raise the level of intellectual and literary capabilities of young Emirati and Arab writers, and enrich the cultural movement in UAE and the Arab world. The programme was launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in early October of 2013.
Source: WAM