New Science Fiction Writing Contest from Emirates Literature Foundation
A new writing contest has been announced today by the Emirates Literature Foundation, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai.
The MBRSC Short Story Award: New Voices in Sci-Fi will award science fiction short stories by writers from the United Arab Emirates. The contest is open to writers ages 16–30; submissions may be in English or Arabic and between 1,500–5,000 words. The deadline is 16 November 2025.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges assessing works for “originality, creativity, scientific accuracy, narrative strength, character development, and overall literary merit.” Twelve stories will be chosen, six in Arabic and six in English. Winners will be announced next year at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and will receive a commemorative plaque, workshop opportunities, Festival attendance, and publication in an anthology.
Several directors of the programs involved contributed to the announcement, which was made at this year’s Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Director of the Festival, described:
For centuries, this region has been a cradle of groundbreaking achievements in science and mathematics, shaping the world as we know it today. From Al-Khwarizmi to Ibn Al-Haytham, Arab scholars and explorers have always been at the forefront of discovery. The MBRSC Short Story Award: New Voices in Sci-Fi opens new doors for authors to explore, innovate, and leave their mark on the region’s sci-fi landscape […] It underscores that the pursuit of discovery—whether in space, science, or storytelling—is deeply rooted in our identity.
More information on the contest and how to submit will be made available on the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature site, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and their social media.
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