MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS & MUST-DOS

This space is dedicated to discovering workshops and literary events happening across the UAE —
 ideal for writers, storytellers, readers, and anyone moved by words.
If you wish to have your event featured, please email us at info@bookhero.in

27th–30th July 2026

MBRSC Short Story Writing Camp

Date: Monday, 27 July – Wednesday, 29 July 2026 (Virtual) - 30 July 2026 (In-person)

Location: Online via Zoom (27–29 July) & Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre · Dubai (30 July)

A four-day creative writing camp introducing young writers (ages 16–18) to science fiction storytelling. Participants will develop their writing skills with experienced mentors before attending a special in-person session at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
Learn more & register → https://elfdubai.org/mbrsc-short-story-award-new-voices-in-sci-fi/

27TH JULY 26

National Poetry & Creative Writing Competition | UAE

Date: Saturday | Time: 4:00–6:00 PM

Location: JLT · Dubai

A nationwide competition celebrating poetry, storytelling, and creative writing. Writers are invited to submit original poems, stories, and personal narratives across a variety of themes.Learn more & register → https://www.hashtagkalakar.com/uae-national-poetry-and-creative-writing-competition

28TH JULY 26

Dubai Downtown Book Club – Never Eat Alone

Date: Tuesday | Time: 7:00 PM

Location: BMD House, Downtown · Dubai

A discussion of Keith Ferrazzi's Never Eat Alone, exploring networking, relationship building, and the importance of meaningful personal and professional connections.Learn more & join → https://www.meetup.com/dubai-personal-growth-support-group/events/315599274/

30TH JULY 26

The Correspondent Discussion (Booker Prize Winner 2026)

Date: Thursday | Time: 7:00–9:00 PM

Location: CQ Brasserie, Pullman Hotel, JLT · Dubai

Join fellow readers for a discussion of The Correspondent, exploring its themes, characters, and the qualities that earned it the 2026 Booker Prize.Learn more & join → https://www.meetup.com/dubai-booze-book-babes/events/315530849/

30TH JULY 26

Read, Reflect, Repeat

Date: Thursday | Time: 6:00–8:00 PM

Location: Soul Side Wellness, The Dome Tower, Cluster N, JLT · Dubai

A welcoming book club where readers gather to discuss short stories, exchange ideas, and enjoy thoughtful conversations in a relaxed atmosphere.Learn more & join → https://www.meetup.com/a-few-good-pages-short-story-book-club/events/315628514/

31ST JULY 26

Future Stories – A Short Story Competition (2026 Edition)

Deadline: Friday, 31 July 2026

Location: Online

A global science fiction short story competition inviting writers to imagine future worlds. Participants may write individually or collaborate using either a Fully Human or Human-Led creative approach. Selected stories will be showcased during Dubai Future Week 2026.Learn more & submit → https://www.dubaifuture.ae/future-stories-2026-edition/

31ST JULY 26

Creative Writing Competition – UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY)

Deadline: Friday, 31 July 2026

Location: United Arab Emirates

A creative writing competition encouraging young people aged 6–18 to transform their everyday thoughts and observations into original stories. Entries are divided into three age categories: 6–9, 10–13, and 14–18 years.Learn more & submit → https://uaebby.org.ae/rdc/competition/

31ST JULY 26

⎡Blindness⎦ Book Discussion over Bev & Bites

Date: Friday | Time: 7:00–9:00 PM

Location: Earth Roastery · Al Quoz · Dubai

A discussion of José Saramago's Blindness, exploring its themes of humanity, morality, fear, and resilience in an informal café setting.Learn more & join → https://www.meetup.com/buffy-s-in-dubai-unofficial/events/315542777/