We articulate a strategy to establish an Arab city as an international destination for literature writers, a writer’s paradise from which books will be launched, international book signing tours will stop, and practitioners can congregate to engage in literary dialogue.

1. Creating an Arab Center for
International Literature
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2. The Center will establish an Arab city as an international destination for writers, adding to
the cultural scene while also training young aspiring writers from the region
Goal and Strategic Objectives
Goal: Establish an international destination for literature
writers, a writer’s paradise from which books will be
launched, international book signing tours will stop, and Background: The Case of Paulo Coelho
practitioners can congregate to engage in literary • In 2007, the Arab region was stage to a major
dialogue international literary event when award-winning
author Paulo Coelho launches his new book 'The
Strategic Objectives Witch of Portobello
• The launch was the first in an Arab city
• Establish Dubai as a hub for international literature
• Commenting on Dubai as the venue for the
while enriching the regional cultural community and
international launch of his book, Coelho said: “…
attracting the most
I consider Dubai the most ideal location for the
influential cultural icons in the world
Arabic and English release of my book.”
• Provide training and mentorship opportunities for young
aspiring writers from the region Consistency With the Development Plans
• Through monthly book signing ceremonies, speaker • The Center initiative meshes well with the
series, and a significant annual gala event, stimulate objectives of Arab economic development plans
cross border dissemination of literature and the • Many plans emphasize the importance of
movement of writers and their works as well as becoming global capitals of arts and culture and
networking within the regional writers community a multicultural centers that promotes intercultural
dialogue
• Through a membership mechanism, provide industry • Many countries have launched literary initiatives
knowledge, best practices, and news to strengthen the that figure prominently in strategic plans
regional writers community
• Engage the corporate community through sponsorships
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3. The Center will serve as a meeting place for internationally renowned writers and future
writers from the region while addressing cultural gaps
The Center for International Literature Addresses Three Areas of Critical Concern
There is a Lack of Training Centers for Future Literature Writers in the Arab World
• Writing skills training offered will provide instruction in skills required to produce thoughtful literature, including research,
writing, and interviewing.
• Training will be combined with professional critiques of works and discussions with leading professionals and writers.
• Creating a forum to train writing skills is designed to increase the number of Arab writers actively publishing works
Arab Countries Have Some of the Lowest Rates of Publishing in the World
• According to the United Nation’s Arab Human Development Report, books published in the Arab World represent
approximately 1% of the world’s output, far less than other regions relative to the Arab population of over 300 million
• For every 100,000 books published in North America and 42,000 published in South America, the Arab World publishes
only 6,500 books;
• When last counted in 2002, the Arab World had translated just 100,000 books total, the same number translated annually
in Spain, despite the fact that the Arab population is 8 times as large as Spain’s and constitutes 5% of world population
Cultural Participation Amongst Youth is Low
• Across the region youth participation in cultural activities is low
• Cultural and communications barriers within the Arab World and internationally impact regional development and at times
prevent an integrated regional perspective
• Cultural disciplines play an important role in creating environments that stimulate enquiry, sharing, and diffusion of ideas
critical to a knowledge-based society, innovation, and socio-economic development
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4. Overview of the Arab Center for International Literature
A Location for Book Signings, A Training Center for Young An Archive for Modern A Membership Organization
Launches, and Dialogue Aspiring Writers from the Region International Literature that Builds Community
Monthly Book Signings Writing Seminars to Cultivate Legacy Component - The Center Community Building - A
Featuring Prominent Young Talent - With a focus on can serve as a repository for membership organization will be
International Authors - Every cultivating the talent of young information about Arab and devised to allow individuals to
month international writers will be writers in the Arab World, seminars international writers, novelists, access the services of the Center
invited to the Center to hold book and formal classes on literary poets, playwrights, essayists, and such as a newsletter, an interactive
signings and readings which will writing will be offered. Center literary organizations. We expect learning module under the
promote dialogue with the local faculty members will be prominent this resource to grow and change, guidance of Center faculty,
writing community. regional authors supplemented by and we will invite participation from seminars, book signing and launch
some of World’s most writers from around the world. An events, etc. The membership
Establish an Arab City of Choice accomplished writers as visiting example of the cultural works the community will allow the Center to
for Book Launches - Similar to faculty. Center would display might be establish a strong sense of
Coelho’s launch of his book in
2007, the Center will encourage Mentorship Opportunities for
Overview of
original manuscripts from notable community amongst its target
authors such as Coelho. audience.
other prominent writers from the Young Writers - Mentor proposed
region and internationally to choose relationships will be encouraged
the location to launch at a minimum between students and grantees. initiative Corporate Sponsorship – The
the Arabic language versions of This is an exceptional opportunity Center will actively promote
their books. for students to learn firsthand about corporate participation in the
writing and glean leadership staging of events.
Annual Gala Networking Event - insights from award winners.
Winners from major literary awards Students could visit mentors during
such as the Booker and the Pulitzer their office hours or access them
Prizes will be invited to Dubai as via e-mail.
keynote speakers at a major gala
event. The event will serve to
underscore the importance of the
city as a international cultural
capital.
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Initiative
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Schwalje wes.schwalje@tahseen.ae
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