Latest news with #FikerInstitute
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai-based Sara Hamdan's debut novel received well globally
The Emirates Literature Foundation, in partnership with Fiker Insitute, hosted a special evening for the launch of 'What Will People Think,' the highly anticipated debut novel by award-winning writer and journalist Sara Hamdan. The exclusive event was held at the Fiker Institute in Alserkal Avenue on Sunday and featured a fireside chat with the author led by Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, followed by a book signing and celebratory reception. The evening brought together leading voices from Dubai's cultural and literary community, including representatives from Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Seddiqi Holding, and a number of local authors and publishers. 'This is a landmark moment not only for Sara but for the entire literary ecosystem in Dubai,' said Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation. 'Her journey from an aspiring writer to a published author topping international bestseller lists is a shining example of what's possible when talent is matched with opportunity. It's also a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that mentorship, community support, and targeted initiatives like the First Chapter Fellowship can have on a writer's path. At the Emirates Literature Foundation, we believe in nurturing local voices and amplifying stories from this region on a global stage. We are honoured to have played a role in supporting her from her first draft to the world stage, and we hope her story inspires a new generation of writers — the world is ready for our stories. It's time we write them.' 'At Fiker Institute, we are honoured to host the regional launch of Sarah Hamdan's debut novel, and are proud to champion the voices of Arab authors and creatives on the global stage—amplifying stories that shape our cultural and intellectual landscape.' Dubai Abulhoul, Founder of Fiker Institute. 'We are thrilled to witness the amazing response Sara's book has received globally and look forward to local audiences discovering her talent and passion for storytelling. This is a pivotal moment, one that continues to pave the way for the Fellowship and strengthens the importance of such a platform to nurture writers in the region. Congratulations once again to Sara and we look forward to supporting her on this incredible journey for years to come,' said Hind Seddiqi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Seddiqi Holding. Currently ranked as the number one best-seller on Amazon UAE in the Humorous Fiction category, What Will People Think has struck a global chord with its heartfelt, funny, and deeply relatable narrative. It was recently featured in The New York Times' list of '24 Books Coming in May' and praised by Publishers Weekly as a novel that 'will linger in readers' minds.' Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer described it as 'Superb... A timely yet timeless story'. The novel's international momentum began with a sold-out virtual book launch hosted by the Harvard Book Store on 19 May 2025. Hamdan is set to embark on a U.S. book tour in Fall 2025. The book is available in the UAE online on Amazon and in store in Magrudy's and other bookstores. 'I am so proud to tell a story that centres on strong, warm, funny Arab women and so grateful that the world is connecting with the universal, emotional themes,' said Hamdan. 'Our stories matter. This moment feels bigger than me; it's a win for the incredible fellowship and for Dubai – a city of dreams that has served as my home for twenty years.' Sara Hamdan, a proud recipient of the ELF Seddiqi First Chapter Writers' Fellowship, is a Dubai-based writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Forbes, and Conde Nast Traveller. Sara Hamdan was announced as a fellow of the inaugural ELF Seddiqi First Chapter Writers' Fellowship in February 2022. Within a year, she signed with literary agents Meredith Miller (UTA) and Sheila Crowley (Curtis Brown) and secured a landmark two-book deal with US publisher Holt after a highly competitive auction. Sara will be doing a US book tour in fall 2025. The First Chapter Fellowship, supported by Seddiqi Holding, provides selected UAE-based writers with invaluable mentorship, including 6 hours of one-on-one coaching from internationally renowned authors, 40 hours of industry workshops, introductions to global agents and editors, and access to international writing courses, including those from the Gotham Writers Centre in New York. Applications for Year Five of the First Chapter Fellowship will open in September 2025.
Mid East Info
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Dubai-Based Author Celebrates Global Literary Breakthrough with Bestseller Book Launch - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE: The Emirates Literature Foundation, in partnership with Fiker Insitute, hosted a special evening for the launch of What Will People Think , the highly anticipated debut novel by award-winning writer and journalist Sara Hamdan. The exclusive event was held at the Fiker Institute in Alserkal Avenue on Sunday, 1 June 2025 and featured a fireside chat with the author led by Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, followed by a book signing and celebratory reception. The evening brought together leading voices from Dubai's cultural and literary community, including representatives from Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Seddiqi Holding, and a number of local authors and publishers. 'This is a landmark moment not only for Sara but for the entire literary ecosystem in Dubai,' said Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation. 'Her journey from an aspiring writer to a published author topping international bestseller lists is a shining example of what's possible when talent is matched with opportunity. It's also a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that mentorship, community support, and targeted initiatives like the First Chapter Fellowship can have on a writer's path. At the Emirates Literature Foundation, we believe in nurturing local voices and amplifying stories from this region on a global stage. We are honoured to have played a role in supporting her from her first draft to the world stage, and we hope her story inspires a new generation of writers – the world is ready for our stories. It's time we write them.' 'At Fiker Institute, we are honoured to host the regional launch of Sarah Hamdan's debut novel and are proud to champion the voices of Arab authors and creatives on the global stage—amplifying stories that shape our cultural and intellectual landscape.' Dubai Abulhoul, Founder of Fiker Institute. 'We are thrilled to witness the amazing response Sara's book has received globally and look forward to local audiences discovering her talent and passion for storytelling. This is a pivotal moment, one that continues to pave the way for the Fellowship and strengthens the importance of such a platform to nurture writers in the region. Congratulations once again to Sara and we look forward to supporting her on this incredible journey for years to come,' said Hind Seddiqi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Seddiqi Holding. Currently ranked as the number one best-seller on Amazon UAE in the Humorous Fiction category, What Will People Think has struck a global chord with its heartfelt, funny, and deeply relatable narrative. It was recently featured in The New York Times' list of '24 Books Coming in May' and praised by Publishers Weekly as a novel that 'will linger in readers' minds.' Palestinian American comedian Mo Amer described it as 'Superb… A timely yet timeless story'. The novel's international momentum began with a sold-out virtual book launch hosted by the Harvard Book Store on 19 May 2025. Hamdan is set to embark on a U.S. book tour in Fall 2025. The book is available in the UAE online on Amazon and in store in Magrudy's and other bookstores. 'I am so proud to tell a story that centres on strong, warm, funny Arab women and so grateful that the world is connecting with the universal, emotional themes,' said Hamdan. 'Our stories matter. This moment feels bigger than me; it's a win for the incredible fellowship and for Dubai – a city of dreams that has served as my home for twenty years.' Sara Hamdan, a proud recipient of the ELF Seddiqi First Chapter Writers' Fellowship, is a Dubai-based writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times , Forbes , and Conde Nast Traveller . Sara Hamdan was announced as a fellow of the inaugural ELF Seddiqi First Chapter Writers' Fellowship in February 2022. Within a year, she signed with literary agents Meredith Miller (UTA) and Sheila Crowley (Curtis Brown) and secured a landmark two-book deal with US publisher Holt after a highly competitive auction. Sara will be doing a US book tour in fall 2025. The First Chapter Fellowship, supported by Seddiqi Holding, provides selected UAE-based writers with invaluable mentorship, including 6 hours of one-on-one coaching from internationally renowned authors, 40 hours of industry workshops, introductions to global agents and editors, and access to international writing courses, including those from the Gotham Writers Centre in New York.
Time Out Dubai
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Best library cafés in Dubai 2025: 6 cosy spots to visit next
Looking to take a little escape from reality and get stuck into a really good book? We've rounded up some of the best spots in the city to dive into a page turner — they're literally designed for it. From pre-loved bookstores to cosy corners inside art galleries, these are all of the best library cafés in Dubai. The best Library cafés in Dubai Book Hero The seaside Umm Suqeim spot is technically a bookstore rather than a library, but you can pick up pre-loved books for as little as Dhs10. Browse the shelves, pick a brand new story and get stuck into the pages over a coffee and an oven-baked Napolitana pizza (lush). Open daily 6am-11.30pm. Jumeirah Beach, Umm Suqeim, (056 736 8862). Fiker Institute Ok, so this is more of a library than it is a café but hear us out. Not only is the gorgeous Alserkal Avenue spot a great place to work or study, if you purchase a day pass it also comes with unlimited coffee. Keeping you caffeinated all day long, you have to add this to your to-visit list. Open Tue-Sun 9am-9pm. Al Quoz, Foundry The gallery, library and co-working space not only gives you free entry to see some incredible art, but there's also a gorgeous little café inside. Serving up coffee, pastries and some simple savoury bites, you can (carefully) wander around with a cup in hand as you take in the stunning installations. Or grab a latte and climb into a library pod for some cosy and undisturbed reading. Open daily 10am-10pm. Downtown Dubai, (04 367 3696). Forma Say hello to Forma, the latest must-visit spot in Jumeirah. This new pizza place can be found in Al Safa Art and Design Library in Dubai and has all the arty vibes any creative could want. Try the miso corn, six cheese pizza (capture the cheese pull) and desserts such as the pretzel ice cream and pistachio cookie tiramisu. Open daily, 8am. Al Safa Art & Design Library, Jumeirah @formauae Kefi Books, Boardgames and Specialty Coffee This adorable spot is packed with over 200 boardgames to play and 6,000 different books for you to get stuck into. While you're lost in the story, you can also tuck into everything from a butter chicken risotto to lasagne or pizza, all washed down with the special tiramisu latte. Open Sun-Thu 9.30am-midnight; Fri-Sat 9.30am-1am. Al Mamzar, (04 385 2888). Lulu & The Beanstalk The independent bar, café and bookstore is not your traditional library, but you can still choose a new novel, grab a matcha and chill for a few hours. Hosting live DJs and drinks deals as day turns to night, this is the kind of place you really could stay for hours. Open Mon-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri 8am-midnight; Sat 11am-midnight. ICD Brookfield Place, (04 268 8664). Looking for things to do in Dubai? 70 of Dubai's coolest cafés and coffee shops Your essential caffeine guide, from Jumeirah to Al Khawaneej 13 places to go in Dubai if getting a matcha is your whole personality From some of our favourite cafés in the city 8 cool Palm Jumeirah cafés to try in Dubai From busy bakeries to beachside hangouts
