Emirati writer Saeed Al Badi: 'Most characters are mosaics of people I've met'

Khaleej Times

24-03-2025

Experiences tend to overflow; they colour vision and perspective, they anchor us to moments stilled in time by emotion; they break the carefully constructed walls that we build around our fragile hearts; and they cry out for expression. For Emirati writer Saeed Al Badi, experiences – 'my travels to Palestine, Jerusalem, and the broader region' – are a constant source of inspiration. 'The turmoil there—the wars, displacement, resilience—seeps into my bones. How could I not write about it?' he asks.
And so it is. The once Al Ittihad newspaper's roving correspondent, who has covered everything from the ravage of war to the haunting famines, has written a number of books including With the Angels of Mecca, The Cursed City, Memoirs of a Traveler, A Journey in the Land of Two Fires, and Cities and Women (Emirates Novel Award 2016 winner).
And now, he's working on an upcoming novel, the name of which translated into English is Hell's Gate. It will release at The Abu Dhabi Book Fair, which runs from April 26 to May 5.
The tale follows Dr Kreacher as he assembles a research team to enter a time window leading to hidden worlds in search of the King of Jinns in an attempt to protect the Earth the fallout of a mysterious prophecy. In doing so, it takes on an age-old question: can good truly conquer evil? 'My approach to the topic remains true to Islamic heritage, with some added elements from folklore passed down through generations,' he adds.
The novel begins in Jordan, wades through Palestine, and Syria, and ends in Iraq.
As though it's a nod to his life's work as a journalist, Al Badi's tome will dive into the history and geography of each stop.
While the premise may seem far removed from reality, he says, 'The concept of jinn and demons is deeply embedded in our collective culture—both regionally and globally. In fact, I believe fantasy is a fundamental part of societies everywhere.'
The beginning
If the only way to write well is to read well, it's no wonder that Al Badi has generated a library of books to share. 'In my youth, entertainment was scarce—no social media, limited TV hours for kids. Books became our escape. They opened doors to new worlds and ideas, shaping our imaginations. Reading wasn't just a habit; it was a daily ritual that anchored our lives,' he explains.
Almost like a dam of words that needed release, when he began to explore the world (it's beauty and cruelty), Al Badi began to write. 'Wanderlust led me to journalism and storytelling,' he says, adding, 'My approach to writing a novel is fluid. I start with a broad outline, sketching events and characters first. The plot crystallises later, like a puzzle coming together. I usually write while on the move and anywhere—on trains, in hotels, during travels. Creativity doesn't wait for a desk.'
The characters his novels give birth to are echoes of the ones he's come across on his travels. 'Most characters are mosaics of people I've met—their quirks, struggles, triumphs. Even events in my novels echo real life, though I twist them into something fresh. Reality provides the clay; imagination sculpts it,' says the prolific writer who has a column in the Union since 2000 called 'Without Borders'.
Impressionable minds
Just as people leave indelible marks on a mind, so do places fractured by time, cataclysmic events, or the silliness of a conqueror blind to reason. The resin left behind after the incidents remains vivid, calling for a record, almost like a lesson that must be taught to the world. For Al Badi, who has seen bandits pillaging, seen chases in real time and collected 'raw, urgent tales I weave into my novels', these moments meld into a narrative that tell the story (on the surface of a few) and dive into greater themes for those inclined to read between the lines.
'My journalism years were a masterclass. They sharpened my language, taught me adaptability, and deepened my understanding of human resilience. Every interview, every crisis I covered, became part of my creative arsenal. I have amassed a wealth of content for my travels. I incorporate it into my novels, adding suspense and excitement to make the stories more engaging,' he tells City Times in an interview.
The people of this region, he adds, have endured a lot. 'Forced migration, war, armed conflicts, poverty and corruption… yet, my stories aren't dirges.' He focuses instead on the warmth of hope even when things seem cold and stifling. 'However dark today seems, I want readers to believe in a better tomorrow. That's the thread running through my work,' he explains.
The proud UAE citizen says the country is making strides in getting his peoples' voices out there. 'Through an initiative by the Sharjah Department of Culture, books by 40 Emirati writers have been translated into over five global languages. But the ambition extends beyond that,' he stresses. 'The UAE has become a global hub, and its literature deserves to be read worldwide in multiple languages, not just in Arabic.'
Being born and raised in the nation of many cultures and peoples, Al Badi says has given him signature sensibilities. 'The UAE is home to a diverse, multicultural society—yet it remains uniquely harmonious. This has greatly influenced my ability to engage with different cultures wherever I go.'
And it has also given him a deep sense of responsibility – to represent his country with integrity. 'Writers must take responsibility in their work and how they present their local culture—after all, they represent their homeland, the UAE,' he says.
Dabbling with the idea of secret societies and hidden realities, Al Badi mulls the idea of fiction challenging mainstream narratives. Then, he says: 'Perhaps the dominant narratives aren't always the truth. History has often been distorted—whether in the past or even today. In our era, no one can claim absolute certainty about what truly happened or is happening now.'
As for finding the story that's right for telling, he says, 'The Arab world's history is rich with stories and events that shaped human civilisation. The real skill lies in weaving these stories into compelling narratives.'
Exploring the world (and you imagination) comes at a cost; the need to express, to glean information and to share it. It's why social media works and why stories must be crafted, written and shared. The cave people proved it centuries ago (just look at the paintings in the ancient Ajanta Caves)– and the narratives that spike our heartbeats as we race through them do the same, even now.