The Himalayan Writing Retreat makes UAE debut with The Shekhar Kapur Masterclass in Abu Dhabi
Following immense success and growing interest from the Middle East, the Himalayan Writing Retreat is expanding its footprint beyond India. "We are delighted to make our first foray into the Middle East with Shekhar Kapur. Over the years, we've witnessed significant interest in creative writing from this region, and it felt like the perfect time to bring our courses to the UAE," said Chetan Mahajan, co-founder of the Himalayan Writing Retreat. "Starting 2025, we plan to offer more on-ground courses here and invite many celebrated names from the literary world. We are also open to partnerships with like-minded organisations in the Gulf."
The highlight of this debut event is none other than Shekhar Kapur—acclaimed filmmaker, storyteller, and recipient of numerous accolades including the BAFTA award, a Golden Globe nomination, and the prestigious Padma Bhushan. Sharing his experience of working with HWR, Kapur commented, "Working with the Himalayan Writing Retreat was a truly fulfilling experience. It is where teaching becomes learning, where storytelling becomes story-sharing. I'm excited to be part of their first workshop in the UAE and look forward to meaningful exchanges with participants."
The Shekhar Kapur Masterclass is a transformative experience that transcends conventional formats. It is designed for anyone looking to develop a story—whether for business, fiction, personal growth, or media. Dr Vandita Dubey, co-founder of HWR, emphasised, "Shekhar is unique in how he listens, reflects, and guides. From Masoom to Mr. India to Bandit Queen and Elizabeth, he has navigated genres and broken stereotypes. Yet, in the Masterclass, he focuses entirely on the participants' stories, helping them elevate their narratives."
Participants from past sessions echo the same sentiment. Ameen Haque, founder of Storywallahs, who attended the Masterclass in 2024, shared, "Shekhar did not use a single slide or show clips from his films. Yet, he took us deep into storytelling, making us reflect on life and our own narratives—all with remarkable ease."
The Masterclass in Abu Dhabi is limited to just 12 participants, ensuring a highly personalised and immersive experience.
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