Stories serve as a vital foundation for shaping and reinforcing national identity, and the UAE is no exception. Like many nations, it possesses a rich repertoire of legends and folklore, yet these narratives risk fading with each generation as the custodians of oral tradition pass on.
Preserving and revitalising this heritage while also pushing the envelope of storytelling is an imperative of the present era – one that Emirati writers have embraced through literature. By capturing these tales in written form, they not only protect the nation’s intangible heritage but also fortify a collective sense of belonging across generations.
One of the most prolific writers in the UAE is Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. His published works of fiction include Bibi Fatima and the King’s Sons (2018), which tells the story of an ambitious woman striving to uphold the rule of the Kings of Ormuz, a dynasty that vanished under Portuguese occupation.
Other trailblazing Emirati authors include short story author Mohammed al Murr, chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library. In a collection of 21 short stories titled Dubai Tails (1990), Al Murr dives into the themes of family, love and relationships, all set in and around Dubai.
Additionally, The Diesel, first published in 1994 in Beirut by Thani Al Swaidi, is a stream of consciousness novella about a young boy possessed by a jinn or a spirit. It explores themes of identity and transformation in the Gulf region. The story follows the journey of its protagonist, The Diesel, who navigates a world that oscillates between masculinity and femininity, tradition and modernity.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, former president of the International Publishers Association (2021-2023) and founder of Kalimat Group, is dedicated to fostering a love of reading among young audiences. Her illustrated picture book World Book Capital introduces children to cities worldwide where books and knowledge are celebrated, encouraging curiosity about different cultures. Moreover, her Mommy series, launched during the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair in November 2024, explores the emotional bond between mother and child, highlighting its profound role in early childhood development.
For those interested in learning more about UAE folklore, Sharjah’s Heritage Museum features a section dedicated to the country’s rich oral traditions, customs and cultural heritage with illustrations. This space offers visitors a deeper understanding of Emirati storytelling, poetry, traditional crafts and everyday life, preserving the essence of the nation’s history for future generations.
Emiratis from my generation and earlier recall being warned by their parents to avoid playing outdoors in the summer heat lest they be taken by Umm al Duwais, a mythical figure that lures men, women and children, often leading to their demise. Baba Daryah, another mythical legend whose name translates to “father of the sea”, is a malevolent spirit feared by fishermen and seafarers. Described as a monstrous figure, he is believed to haunt the waters, especially at night, causing misfortune or even death to those who encounter him.
To add to the list of English language novels mentioned above, The Sand Fish: A Novel from Dubai by Maha Gargash is a piece of historical fiction set in the 1950s in the UAE. The story follows Noora, a 17-year-old girl from the mountainous regions of the Arabian Peninsula. The novel delves into themes of freedom, independence and the transitory identities of women in society. Noora’s journey reflects her struggle between accepting her predetermined fate and seeking personal autonomy.
The UAE’s literary landscape has seen a significant surge in independent Arabic-language publishers, contributing to a growing body of noteworthy novels. Among them is Kalima, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, which is home to the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, often referred to as the “Arabic Booker”.
Meanwhile, Dubai-based Kuttab Publishing has released a wealth of titles exploring various aspects of Arabic literature and heritage. Among its recent publications is Min al-Mawrooth al-Imarati al-Sahil al-Sharqi by Mohammed Al Naqabi, a collection of short stories that draw inspiration from the oral traditions and folklore of the UAE’s eastern provinces. Another notable release is Hakaya al-Bahr by Bara’a Al-Nweran, a collection that intricately weaves narratives inspired by the sea.
Fiction also holds significant commercial potential, as exemplified by Mohammed Saeed Harib’s Freej – the animated series launched in 2006 that has since become a cultural phenomenon across the Gulf. Its beloved characters – Um Saeed, Um Saloom, Um Allawi and Um Khammas – have transcended the screen, even appearing in FlyDubai’s in-flight safety video, cementing their status as icons of Emirati popular culture.
Finally, Arabic fiction serves as a powerful counterforce against the pervasive influence of western media, which reaches young people in the Arab world not only through Hollywood films and television but increasingly via social media and video games. Beyond entertainment, storytelling provides an indirect yet effective means of imparting a nation’s history and moral values to both children and adults, reinforcing our national identity and ensuring their continuation to a new generation of Emiratis.
This article was originally published in The National on January 30, 2025. A PDF screenshot of the original article can be downloaded here.
