Sharjah announces winners of Gulf Women's Creativity Award
Winners in critical studies
In the Critical Studies category, Dr. Sabah bin Abdul Karim Isawi (Saudi Arabia) was awarded for her research, The Dialectic of Self and the Other in Arabic Travel Literature: A Critical Perspective. Prof. Nadia Hanawi Saadon (Iraq) won for Self and the Other in Imaginary Travel Narratives. The Jury Prize was granted to Soumaya Ali Raheef (Iraq) for her study Opposites Attract: The Self and the Other in Short Stories, analysing Giants and Dwarfs of the Sea by Fathiya Al-Nimr.
Classical poetry category
For Classical Poetry, Dr. Dalal bin Bandar Al-Maliki (Saudi Arabia) won for her poetry collection Coma, while Afaf bin Hussein Al-Harbi (Saudi Arabia) won for On the Thresholds of Absence.
Children's literature – short story
In the Children's Literature – Short Story category, Badriya bin Mohammed Al-Badri (Oman) won for her story Me and My Friend, and Maryam Khalifa Al-Shehhi (UAE) received the award for What Does It Mean to Belong? The Jury Prize was presented to Nada Ahmed Fardan (Bahrain) for her story The Amazing Shampoo of Feelings.
Cultural Personality of the Year
An announcement will soon be made for the Cultural Personality of the Year, recognising a prominent Gulf woman with significant literary contributions and cultural influence.
Promoting Gulf women's literary excellence
The Sharjah Award for Gulf Women's Creativity was established to support and showcase the creative achievements of Gulf women in literature and critical studies. It serves to enrich contemporary Gulf literature and foster healthy competition among female writers.
Increased participation and award evolution
Salha Ghabish, Head of the Cultural Office, noted a higher participation rate in this edition compared to previous years, with all entries meeting the award's criteria. She highlighted that this award is the first of its kind in the GCC, dedicated to celebrating women's excellence in storytelling, poetry, theatre, and children's literature.
To encourage diverse literary contributions, the award structure is periodically revised. This year's edition featured three main categories: Critical Studies, Classical Poetry, and Children's Literature – Short Story. In the previous edition, Playwriting was introduced under storytelling to expand opportunities for participation.
By continuously adapting the award categories, the initiative seeks to foster a dynamic literary movement in the Gulf, nurturing creativity and cultural enrichment across the region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Campaign ME
5 days ago
- Campaign ME
The GCC Luxury Insider
WELCOME TO THE INSIDE This piece explores the stealth luxury trends that are transforming a market known for glamour but more accurately defined by an insider sense of distinction, an IYKYK mindset that's key to understanding the GCC's emergence as a bonafide global tastemaking hub. The influence of stealth luxury doesn't mean GCC consumers have lost interest in luxury; far from it, and their standards are higher than high. But the definition is evolving, too, because when everything is premium… nothing is premium, anymore. Luxury means exclusive, yes, but it's also the joy of reclaimed time, the insider's table, the unlisted experience, the thrill of access over display, and of a life filled with stories worth telling, told through UGC that says more by what it leaves out. The most powerful signals are now nearly invisible, yet unmistakable to those who know. This is the era of the high-end insider: present at every moment that matters, never trying too hard, often ahead of the curve. And just as often, proudly off-trend, maybe even a little weird, whimsical or unique in their rejection of what everyone else is falling for. They open doors others don't even see. And in a louder-than-loud world, the most disruptive thing a brand can offer them is a quietly indulgent space to reconnect to their head, hands, and hearts, one incredible insider experience at a time. Let's dive deeper. 1. LUXURY IS LOCAL Nothing shows you don't get it like not getting the nuances of GCC cultures and subcultures. Hyperlocal and authentic aren't a hook for a regional campaign; they're bare minimums for credibility and prestige. Don't wait for National Day to do something with local relevance; that's what an outsider would do. And that's what many agencies are to the region: outsiders who think Dubai Bling is what luxury looks like in the Middle East. (Hint: not even close.) KSA and Abu Dhabi are prime markets that are misunderstood and under-invested in by luxury brands. The trend is clearly beginning to change, but the potential is 10x what we're currently seeing. 2. LUXURY IS GLOBAL High-end consumers around the world are hungry for discovery. Through social, they peer into diverse cultures, travel opportunities, and global events and moments that are quite tangibly building a new cultural elite that's defined not only by access through traditional institutions but rather being the first to know before a destination / trend is over saturated. 3. THE EARNED POWER OF IYKYK Today's luxury consumer isn't showing off. They're tuning in. Not impressed by exclusivity that feels engineered, they want access that feels earned through credibility. That's why who they follow is not just who's at the centre of the trend; it's who's creating it, curating it, and has true access to where it's being made. To be seen as someone who just wants to be seen is… embarrassing. But someone who's driven by passion, connection, and quality… that's something worth associating with for the premium consumer. It's why supper clubs and homegrown hot spots continue to win against flashy new purely hype-driven spots for buzz creation, marketing ROI, credibility and covetability. 4. THE PREMIUMISATION OF SWEAT Across sports, fitness, and entertainment, what once belonged to the masses (fitness) is being carved into private, elevated, experiences. Private gyms, wellness clubs and even saunas with velvet-rope memberships are gaining steam (pun intended) along with clinics and beach clubs. The luxury-meets-sports collabs aren't over, either. See Jacquemus' premium gym gear, for example, which intersects fashion, home accessories and fitness, or the high-end destinations that are part gym, part club, part beach. For this consumer, sweat is not just sweat; it's exclusivity, performance, self-mastery, and community. A sure-fire ticket to presence, connection, and truth in a world where doom-scrolling affects the wealthy as much as anyone. Sport and luxury intersect at a place that is sensory, grounding, intentional, mindful, and stimulating, all at once, yet brands are underutilizing this rich territory in the region. 5. MEMBERS-ONLY MAGIC We are still in the early days of a members-only trend that'll see access to insider spaces become more important to the GCC's luxury consumers. The pace of growth and types of private spaces defined by art, music, fashion, wellness, sports, automotive and more, will surprise and challenge brands to think bigger, beyond just the pop-up or private influencer dinner. If they don't, the gap in consumer understanding between marketers and luxury-savvy experiential destination builders will continue to widen.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
30-05-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Celebrate Eid with a Luxurious City Escape at One&Only Royal Mirage
Whether lounging by serene pools, strolling along golden shores, or sharing an Eid feast under the stars, One&Only Royal Mirage promises a celebration filled with peace and plenty of joy This Eid, embrace the serenity of a timeless beachfront retreat at One&Only Royal Mirage, one of Dubai's most iconic and beloved resorts. Nestled along a kilometre of private coastline and enveloped within 65 acres of landscaped gardens, this extraordinary destination offers the perfect blend of Arabian grandeur and modern comfort, just a short drive away for GCC residents seeking a peaceful yet luxurious escape. A true urban oasis, One&Only Royal Mirage is more than a resort, it's a journey through Arabian heritage and elegance. Designed as a collection of three distinct experiences, guests can choose between The Palace, known for its chic sophistication; the Arabian Court, inspired by intricate cultural design and Moorish architecture; or the Residence, the most intimate and exclusive of the trio, ideal for those seeking complete tranquillity. Each offers a unique atmosphere while reflecting the resort's signature charm and craftsmanship. This Eid, GCC residents are invited to enjoy a specially curated stay with the resort's limited-time GCC Residents' Offer. Designed for families, couples, and multigenerational travellers, this offer presents a rare opportunity to indulge in world-class luxury with added privileges. Guests benefit from exclusive savings on room rates, ensuring greater value on their stay, whether for a long weekend or an extended holiday. From the moment you arrive, you can enjoy 20% off dining across the resort's award-winning restaurants, from delightful Pan-Asian lunches at Eauzone to romantic dinners by the sea at Beach Bar & Grill. The offer also includes 20% off selected treatments at the One&Only Spa, where the calming rhythm of nature meets traditional rituals for a truly rejuvenating escape. Start each day with a complimentary gourmet breakfast, and enjoy the ease of early check-in from 10 am and late check-out until 6 pm (subject to availability), allowing for more time to unwind and enjoy the resort's luxurious facilities. Families are especially well-catered for, as children can stay for free at The Palace and Arabian Court, making it a wonderful option for parents looking to create lasting memories with their little ones. To add an extra layer of fun, children also receive daily access to a nearby waterpark, ensuring plenty of excitement throughout the stay. Whether lounging by serene pools, strolling along golden shores, or sharing an Eid feast under the stars, One&Only Royal Mirage promises a celebration filled with beauty, peace, and joy. This offer is available exclusively for GCC residents holding valid identification. To reserve your Eid getaway, call +971 4 315 2250 or email [email protected].
Time Out Abu Dhabi
29-05-2025
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Three grand reasons to staycation in style at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Looking for a luxe escape without the airport queues? Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl – the towering five-star landmark in the capital's West Corniche district – is celebrating seven years of opulence with not one but three incredible staycation offers. Whether you're in the mood for pampering, adventure or a potential upgrade to the Presidential Suite, here's why this hotel should be your summer go-to. 1. The Grand Anniversary Stay – Dhs777 To mark its 7th anniversary, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi is offering an exclusive package priced at Dhs777 for two. At check-in, guests are in for a surprise – it could be anything from complimentary afternoon tea to an upgrade to the lavish Presidential Suite. The package includes: Breakfast for two at Sahha Dinner for two at Italian eatery Verso Late check-out at 4pm Grape, cheese and charcuterie night at Lexx for just Dhs77 Complimentary 37-minute extension when booking a 60-minute massage Booking is open from 26 May for stays between 1–30 June 2025. Book now using code GRAND7 2. Adventure Package – For thrill-seekers This one's for the adrenaline-lovers. Book the Adventure Package and get Yas Island theme park tickets for every guest, plus complimentary shuttle service to and from the action. Guests also enjoy 20 percent off all hotel dining and spa treatments. Nice. Available for stays from 26 May to 31 October 2025. Book now using code SAYYAS 3. GCC Residents Offer – 20 percent off everything If you're a GCC resident, this one's for you. Enjoy 20 percent off your stay, hotel dining and indulgent treatments at Lum'a Spa – a great excuse for a midweek escape or a long weekend treat. What could be better than that? Valid for bookings from 16 May for stays until 29 December 2025. Book now using code GCCRES West Corniche, Corniche Road, (02 510 1234).
