ACTIVITY

‘Writers Exchange’ program launched between UAE and Japan

Two male and two female writers take part in program from both countries

Dubai, January xx, 2015: Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF), a leading initiative working to spread knowledge and foster ideas and innovation, has announced the official launch of the first phase of its Dubai International Program for Writing’s ‘Writers Exchange’ program between the UAE and Japan in partnership with Japan Arts and Culture Foundation.

As part of the exchange program, two male and two female writers have been selected from the UAE and Japan, who will stay for a while in each other’s countries, where they will get opportunities to exchange ideas based on their respective cultures and introduce their works. On completion of the visits to the UAE and Japan, the writers will narrate their experience to their readers through works in Arabic or Japanese languages.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Jamal Bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said: “The Writers Exchange program partnership has been conceived with the idea of enabling writers to understand other cultures and inspire each other, and communicate their experience to their readers. We are focusing more on outcome of the exchange program, which is based on the first-hand experience of other cultures, as we believe that experience has a long term impact.”

Commenting on the launch of the program, H.E. Yusaku Imamura, senior advisor to the Japan Arts and Culture Foundation, said: “The Writers Exchange Program offers a new horizon of cultural exchange between the UAE and Japan. We are very happy and honored to work with MBRF on this very important exchange program. I hope this program will be a great opportunity to set the pace for more cultural exchanges between the UAE and Japan.”

The four writers from Japan taking part in the program are Kika Hotta, Kenkichi Tsurukawa, Mokako Nakajima and Yumi Fuzuki, all winners of a number of literary awards. During their stay in the UAE, the four writers will meet MBRF officials and UAE writers. They will also visit key literary and cultural organizations such as Emirates Writers Union in Sharjah and Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation.

The Writers Exchange program has the strong support of Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Japan Arts and Culture Foundation contributes to finding, nurturing and supporting young innovative talents internationally from arts, knowledge and political fields through platforms such as knowledge exchange, research, conferences, lectures and exhibitions.

Dubai International Program for Writing was established by MBRF to raise the level of intellectual and literary capabilities of young Emirati and Arab writers, and enrich the cultural movement in UAE and the Arab world. The program was launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in early October of 2013.

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About Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation was founded on the personal initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Foundation was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East held at the Dead Sea, Jordan, in May 2007. Through three strategic sectors of Knowledge, Education and Entrepreneurship, the Foundation seeks to develop knowledge and human capabilities in the Arab world. The Foundation’s three underlying principles are; Building the region's human capital with a pool of knowledgeable and talented individuals; Offering better opportunities for the region's younger generation to acquire knowledge and secure a better future; and Promoting leadership qualities among the younger generation to enhance their living standards.

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